ROCKFORD, Ill. – Art leaders across Illinois are closely monitoring state and federal policy decisions, as they believe these choices have a direct impact on local arts funding and education.
During an annual virtual State of the Arts and Culture Sector briefing hosted by Arts Alliance Illinois, panelists discussed various topics, including the current federal policy and funding outlook for the arts.
Arts Alliance Illinois is a statewide organization that advocates for arts funding, education, and creative workers. The organization plays a critical role in ensuring that the arts remain a priority in public policy discussions.
Andrew Schneider, senior director of government affairs with Arts Alliance Illinois, emphasizes that creativity is vital to communities but is currently under pressure.
“Creativity matters so much that it’s under pressure right now,” said Schneider. “Across the country, we’re seeing attempts to control, erase, politicize, or silence creative expression and cultural heritage. When cultural resources become unstable, communities lose identity, economic mobility, and pathways for young people to thrive.”
During the briefing, advocates highlighted what they refer to as a federal arts education crisis, pointing to staffing losses and uncertainty in schools.
“It’s showing up in teachers being let go and teachers leaving and positions not being rehired, so we are losing ground in our schools already,” said Schneider.
Amanda Karhuse, assistant executive director for advocacy and public policy with the National Association for Music Education, notes that while major funding cuts have not yet occurred, the uncertainty is concerning.
“I don’t think we have seen the huge impact yet and that’s why we are fighting so hard to keep the funding that currently exists,” said Karhuse. “We have been concerned that if there’s cuts to major titled programs or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we do see school districts will target some of those art programs that many believe are nice but not necessary.”
Mary McNamara Bernsten, the executive director of Rockford Area Arts Council, highlights the importance of access to arts and culture in overall well-being.
“People who are enriched by arts and culture have increased happiness, increased mental health, increased physical health, increased success in their jobs. It is data-driven,” said McNamara-Bernsten.
McNamara Bernsten also points out that policy decisions made at the federal and state levels often have the greatest impact at the community level.
Arts Alliance Illinois has a mission to protect and expand public funding for the arts, ensure access to quality arts education for all K–12 students, and support creative workers across the state.
“We’re here for creative workers across Illinois who have any questions about public funding, resource navigation, what kind of support they might be able to get access to as artists, as gig workers, as independent workers,” said Bindu Poroori with the Arts Alliance Illinois.
The organization has successfully generated more than $280 million in state and local funding for arts and culture in Illinois.
Leaders say another discussion is planned for this spring during Arts Alliance Illinois’ annual Capitol Day. Art leaders plan to travel to Springfield to advocate for arts-related policy priorities.