Community Arts Access grants are given in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the City of Springfield. The grants provide the opportunity for local arts agencies like the Springfield Area Arts Council to distribute state funds in their own service areas according to local needs. The program is designed to give the community more access to the arts, especially among under-served populations.
The grantees and their programs follow.
Downtown Springfield, Incorporated – Transforming vacant storefronts downtown with art installations
Illinois State Museum Society – Ancestral Threads exhibit focusing on the fiber art of Sherise Wright, quilter
Illinois Symphony Orchestra – Sunday at Six recitals
James Weldon Johnson Study Guild – We Join Hands, a program to heighten awareness of African-American artists and authors
Menard County Singers – Space rental for rehearsals
Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery – To provide art activities for clients
The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space – To mentor emerging artists
Scholastic Art Awards – Program booklet design and printing
Springfield Ballet Company – Dancing through the District, in partnership with the Springfield Park District
