Macomb, IL – The Illinois Arts Council is working with a drastically reduced budget, but that's not preventing it from spreading a little holiday cheer. The state agency awarded more than $64,000 in grants to arts organizations in western Illinois this week.
IAC Legislative Liason Karla Kunzeman says these groups play an important role in promoting the arts. "These people work tirelessly just for the good of the arts, for the passion of the arts," says Kunzeman. "And I find this everywhere I go. Even if we weren't here with a little bit of funding for them, they would still do this because of their love for this."
You can listen to an interview with Kunzeman by clicking on the audio button.
IAC member Bill Brattain says the arts enhance life. He says this week's ceremony was a chance to give publicity to arts organizations. "It shows that these grants do indeed come to rural west-central Illinois," says Brattain. "It's also an opportunity to thank our legislators who do support the appropriations."
The Illinois Arts Council faces a challenge to make sure at least some grant money is available. The IAC's budget was slashed by 30% a couple years ago. Its funding remained flat at that lower level for this year.
Money was given to the following groups:
The Macomb Community Theatre received $1,030 for general operating support.
The Buchanan Center for the Arts in Monmouth received $5,010 for general operating support and $6,900 for its Community Arts Access program.
The Two Rivers Arts Council, which serves 13 counties in west-central Illinois, received $600 for operating support and $12,700 for its Community Art Access program.
Western Illinois University's Bureau of Cultural Affairs received $22,180 for its Performing Arts Series.
WIU's College of Fine Arts and Communication received $5,570 for its K-12 Outreach Programming.
The WIU Art Gallery received $2,500.
WIU's Youth Performing Arts Series received $1,620.
Tri States Public Radio received $6,030 for its Celebration Concert Series.
In addition, a ceremonial check was given to the Al Sears Jazz Festival in Macomb. The grant will be awarded at a later date.