Art Alliance Illinois Updates on State Funding for the Arts

The state of Illinois is moving to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan for phase reopening today. Guidelines for businesses to operate during Phase 3 is released by Governor Pritzker. The guidelines include limits and safety measures for manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops, and personal services (e.g. salons).

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced that this week’s cautious reopening for the city will begin June 3. She released a city-specific set of guidelines for businesses that are included in this phase. The guidelines refer to museums and outdoor performances in a “later Phase 3.” The guidelines’ details are being developed in collaboration with representatives from the field.

After approval by public health officials, the expanded guidelines will be released. The Alliance is supportive of reopening our state’s creative industries after the public health officials deem it is safe for the public. The highest priority is the health of the artists, creative workers, and audiences. We have advocated successfully for our sector’s many diverse stakeholders to be included in reopening conversations with both the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.

The Illinois General Assembly over the weekend passed a budget bill with several big wins for the creative sector. The support from the state will ensure that arts and culture will be a critical part of our state’s recovery from the current crisis. State Funding for the Arts preserved are:

• $13.3 million for the Illinois Arts Council Agency
• $50 million for the Arts & Culture Capital Coalition
• $14.4 million in additional support for Capital Coalition members

We appreciate the legislators for making arts a priority. The 36 members of the Arts & Culture Capital Coalition is also appreciated. The creative sector is hurting at the moment. We thank you for helping us in fight for arts.