State of the Arts

July 7th, 2009 at 10:33am Bridget Fraser

Last week I participated in the Illinois Arts Council’s music panel review process.  Six arts leaders from across Illinois spend weeks studying proposals from most of our Illinois music organizations.  Large music organizations like the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera to the smallest orchestras and choirs in rural areas bring millions of people to their events.  Many have no admission fees.  Fellow panelist Allan Dennis, Executive Director of  Midwest Young Artists in Highland Park did the math.  The total budget for all applicants totaled $43,304,545.50.  If you factor in grass roots organizations with budgets under $50,000, the number is probably closer to $1 billion!!!   As he pointed out, this is direct income to Illinois residents.  These organizations drive jobs, generate government revenue and are the cornerstone of tourism for Illinois.  Think of what we have here in Rockford…  the Mendelssohn Center, Kantorei, Charlotte’s Web, Rockford Symphony, Rockford Area Arts Council,  to name just a few.  Where would Rockford be without these organizations?  They are our cultural identity.  They are what we brag about when we travel.   Sadly, state funding of the arts is steadily decreasing.  It may be years before funding levels return to reasonable levels.  We can’t give up though!  We need these arts organizations to sustain and improve our quality of life. 

Entry Filed under: Performing Arts, Arts Advocacy