Arts Alliance Illinois is the state's leading voice for the arts and arts education, uniquely combining advocacy, service, and information to advance a creative and culturally vibrant state.

Learn more about our:

• New look

• Arts advocacy efforts

• Professional development services for arts leaders

• Arts education initiative

Our New Look

In August 2009, the Illinois Arts Alliance rolled out a new name and visual identity. Our new look includes:

• A modified name - Arts Alliance Illinois - that puts the arts first and makes “alliance” more prominent, emphasizing our shared beliefs and collective action
  

• A new visual identity that symbolizes the many vibrant, creative voices that come together with greater focus and power through the work we do
  

• A new articulation of our mission: “Give Voice to a Creative State.” This strong call to action acknowledges the power of voice to change lives, change attitudes, and transform neighborhoods and communities throughout Illinois
  

Since 1982, the Arts Alliance has been fighting to advance the arts in Illinois. Our new look honors our tradition of advocacy and service and celebrates our core purpose.

Edelman Worldwide, with senior sponsorship of Patrick McGuire and the creative leadership of Carrie Miller, provided pro bono support to Arts Alliance Illinois for this initiative. The Arts Alliance also received generous support from Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development.

Arts Alliance Illinois Board Member Cynthia Vahlkamp spearheaded the project with the support of Branding Committee Co-Chairs Cheryl Yuen and Diane Spradlin.

What We Do

Arts Advocacy
Arts Alliance Illinois is a watchdog for the arts and arts education in Illinois.  We help you advance widespread support of the arts in your community.

• Lobbying: We make sure you have a voice in Springfield and Washington, DC.

• Communication and Trainings: We give you the information and resources you need to effectively make the case for the arts.

• E-Advocacy: We make it easy for you to take action and contact your elected officials through our Online Advocacy Center.

Professional Development for Arts Leaders
Arts Alliance Illinois strengthens the arts community in Illinois. We provide you with the tools you need to create, educate, and inspire through the arts.

• Resources: We help you grow as an arts leader through our Arts Leadership for the 21st Century publications and toolkits.

• Convening: We offer you the opportunity to learn best practices, gain insight and inspiration, connect with colleagues, and build partnerships at our One State: Together in the Arts conference.

• Mentoring: We facilitate mentoring relationships between established and emerging arts leaders through our Mentor Connection Service.

Arts Education
Arts Alliance Illinois works to ensure every child receives a well-rounded education that includes the arts through Illinois Creates, our statewide arts education initiative.

• Research: We make sure you have the facts about arts education in Illinois public schools through our statewide audit Arts at the Core: Every School, Every Student.

• Tools: We empower you with the tools and strategies you need to strengthen arts education in your school through Committing to Quality in Education: Arts at the Core, the first arts education guidebook designed specifically for all Illinois education stakeholders.

• Funding: We ensure money is available for your arts education programs by fighting for the Illinois State Board of Education’s Arts and Foreign Language Grant Program.

• Coalition Building: We provide you and other arts education advocates with a statewide network of people interested in research, fundraising, resource-sharing, and professional development.

Learn how you can get involved with Arts Alliance Illinois.