PEORIA, IL — Acclaimed jazz educator and arts leader Mary Jo Papich was named the 2025 ArtsPartner of the Year during ArtsPartners of Central Illinois’ 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting on October 22 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
The honor recognizes Papich’s decades of extraordinary contributions to arts education, youth mentorship, and cultural collaboration both in Central Illinois and around the world.
The award presentation — introduced by former ArtsPartners Board President Frannie Heine — culminated in a surprise City of Peoria Proclamation, delivered by Stacy Peterson, Strategic Communications Manager for the City of Peoria and an ArtsPartners board member on behalf of Mayor Rita Ali. The proclamation officially recognized Mary Jo Papich’s extensive contributions to the arts and jazz music, earning the educator a standing ovation from the audience.
“ArtsPartners stands upon the legacy of so many leaders — but especially that of Mary Jo Papich, who has made it her life’s mission to connect, empower, and inspire through the arts,” said Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, Executive Director of ArtsPartners. “Her legacy reaches from Peoria’s classrooms to international concert stages, showing generations what the arts can achieve.”
Papich’s remarkable career spans over three decades as a band director and arts administrator in Peoria Public Schools, where she founded the renowned Peoria Jazz All Stars. Under her direction, the ensemble performed at major festivals including Montreux, Umbria, and North Sea Jazz, bringing international acclaim to Peoria’s young musicians.
Beyond Peoria, Papich co-founded and served as the first president of the Jazz Education Network (JEN) — now active in more than 20 countries — and continues to mentor educators through her global leadership in music education. She has served on panels and boards for the National Endowment for the Arts, Grammy Music Educator Award, and numerous arts advocacy organizations. Her accolades include the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor, Jazz Education Achievement Award, and recognition from the Illinois Music Educators Association.
“Mary Jo’s reach extends far beyond awards,” said Frannie Heine during the ceremony. “She builds community wherever she goes — lifting students, artists, and educators with her generosity, her joy, and her belief in what art makes possible.”
In accepting the award, Papich expressed gratitude to Peoria’s arts community and reflected on her lifelong mission to ensure that music remains a force for unity, empathy, and hope.
The recognition was part of ArtsPartners’ 25th-anniversary celebration, which also featured the 10th Anniversary of Sky Art Peoria and the announcement of $32,500 in Arts Dollars grants supporting local artists and educators.
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois promotes the arts as a vital component of central Illinois’ cultural and economic development. Founded in 1999, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to build awareness and strengthen the arts for the economic and cultural enrichment of central Illinois.
