Rep. Naomi Jakobsson and 40 North to Host Arts Grant Awareness Event with Illinois Arts Council
1/5/2006
Champaign - State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, is beginning the New Year by teaming up with 40 North/88 West - the Champaign County Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council - on Monday, Jan. 23 for an Arts Grant Awareness Event to help local organizations, institutions and artists understand the Council's grant process and other resources available.
"I have always appreciated the value that local arts organizations and artists contribute to our community," Jakobsson said. "Last year, organizations in the Champaign-Urbana area received more than $279,000 in state assistance to help promote local arts programs. This seminar will be a good first step to help make sure our community is successful again."
Illinois Arts Council staff will speak to community organizations, schools, artists and residents about the types of grants available from the state, the qualifications for receiving such grants, and how to apply for them. The meeting will also discuss the different types of arts programs and services offered by the Arts Council.
"We are thrilled to partner with Representative Jakobsson in welcoming the Illinois Arts Council to Champaign County," 40 North/88 West Executive Director Jennifer Armstrong said. "The Arts Council is a tremendous resource and provides invaluable support to the arts across the state. We hope to introduce the Arts Council to a greater number of stakeholders in our community who can utilize state programs and services for the benefit of local residents. We would also like to educate the community as to why this state agency is so critical to the growth and development of Champaign County's cultural life."
"Bringing state resources to our local community has been one of my goals as state representative," Jakobsson said. "This meeting will help organizations and individuals obtain valuable information to maximize their chances of receiving assistance."
The awareness event will take place Monday, Jan. 23, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St. An Illinois Arts Council Arts-in-Education grant workshop will immediately follow in the same location from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. All community members are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Jakobsson at her constituent service office at 373-5000, or Jennifer Armstrong at 40 North, 351-9841.
Jakobsson represents the 103rd Illinois House District, which includes Urbana, most of Champaign and a section of Savoy. Visit her website (http://www.housedem.state.il.us/members/jakobssonn) for further details.