Federal Recovery Funds Preserve Illinois Arts Jobs

CHICAGO – October 30, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Arts Council today announced $358,600 in awards approved to restore and retain jobs at 19 nonprofit arts organizations statewide through the Illinois Arts Jobs Preservation grant program.

“Investment in the arts means a better future for people throughout Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “By preserving arts jobs, Illinois is fostering an innovative work force that contributes to our state’s economic productivity.”

Funding for the Illinois Arts Jobs Preservation (IAJP) grant program is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Public Law 111-5, which included a $50 million appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts to preserve jobs in the nonprofit arts sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.

“The Recovery Act recognizes that the nonprofit arts industry is an important sector of the economy,” said Illinois Arts Council Chairman Shirley R. Madigan. “These organizations that make up Illinois’ nonprofit arts industry are hurting, like every other industry. As a result, we’re seeing less art in education, less opportunity for creativity and community connection, and less access to free or reduced cost arts programming – especially for young people, seniors, rural residents and those of lower income. As a state agency and a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council has an important role in advancing the goals of this program.”

Illinois Arts Council ARRA funds in the amount of $358,600 are supplemented by $95,000 from Arts Midwest, Illinois’ regional arts organization. For a complete list of grantees, please visit the IAJP section of the Illinois Arts Council website.

Illinois Arts Council Mission: “Building a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the engagement of all Illinoisans in the pursuit of, participation in, and enjoyment of the arts.”