Illinois - Heartland of Creativity
introduction

The Illinois Arts Council was created by the General Assembly in 1965 to survey and assess the needs of the arts throughout the state; identify existing legislation, policies, and programs which affect the arts and evaluate their effectiveness; stimulate public understanding of the importance of cultural institutions; promote an encouraging atmosphere for creative artists in Illinois; encourage the use of local resources to develop and support the arts; and report to the Governor and the General Assembly biennially on its recommendations. Resources to support the Illinois Arts Council are provided by the Governor and General Assembly, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

At the foundation of the planning process for the Illinois Arts Council’s Strategic Directions 2007-2012 were four basic questions: What do the arts mean to the people of Illinois? How and why do people participate in the arts? How do the arts add value to their lives and their communities? And what role should the Illinois Arts Council play in making their vision a reality?