JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura secured funds for local not-for-profits that provide arts programming from the Illinois Arts Council. In total, over $86,848 was awarded to 10 organizations in the 43rd District.
“Our communities prosper when we have strong arts programs that serve everyone,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These funds will be used for a variety of purposes, but all have the same goal: strengthening of the arts. The arts are the foundation of our community and I applaud these grantees who are doing the work to ensure the arts continue thrive.”
Each year, the Illinois Arts Council Agency awards two types of grants: General Operating Support and Youth Employment in the Arts.
- General Operating Support grants are awarded to organizations who demonstrate ongoing arts programs and a strong commitment to making artistic programs accessible and relevant to a diverse range of participants.
- Youth Employment in the Arts grants provide addition GOS funds to support youth employment opportunities throughout the year. Organizations may request funds for up to four youth employees between the ages of 14 and 22. Duties may be administrative or artistic in nature, or a combination of both.
Local District 43 organizations will be using the funds for the retention of local artists, community development, elevation of artists with diverse backgrounds, free arts programming, recreational dance programs and youth employment programs.
The following organizations in Ventura’s district received FY27 grants:
- unity, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
- unity, Youth Employment Grant - $2,600
- Bolingbrook Arts Museum, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
- Bolingbrook Park District, General Operating Support Grant - $7,500
- City of Joliet, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
- Joliet Area Historical Museum, General Operating Support Grant - $10,000
- Joliet Junior College, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
- Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, General Operating Support Grant - $17,500
- Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, Youth Employment Grant - $2,810
- Lewis University, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
- Little Light Midwest musicians, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
- Little Light Midwest Musicians, Youth Employment Grant - $675
- Tutti Voce Collective, General Operating Support Grant - $2,500
Additionally, Valley View Community Unit High School District 365U will be receiving a $16,263 Creative Learning Grant and Akorede Abujade will be receiving $12,000 through the Creative Projects Grant program as an individual artist application.
You can learn more about the Illinois Arts Council and their mission here.
