Courtesy Barrington Dance Ensemble
Financial Times
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 26, 2024– In a continued effort to broaden access to arts and culture across northern Illinois, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres today announced the distribution of more than $200,000 in grants to 18 local arts organizations. Through the Powering the Arts Program, ComEd will provide individual grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofits, including local theaters, arts programs, cultural centers and youth-focused organizations dedicated to enriching their communities through artistic expression.
Since its inception in 2018, the ComEd Powering the Arts Program has contributed more than $1 million to creative projects and workshops, helping foster community engagement, innovation and a deeper appreciation for the arts. These funds have directly supported programs across Illinois that strengthen the connection between art and community, ensuring creative opportunities remain accessible to all.
“ComEd is proud to help our communities celebrate their unique stories and cultures through artistic innovation,” said Melissa Washington, senior vice president of customer operations and strategic initiatives at ComEd. “By investing in the arts, we are investing in the vibrancy and diversity of the communities we serve. Our continued collaboration with the League of Chicago Theatres ensures this program continues to be a resounding success.”
Now in its seventh year, the Powering the Arts Program has supported nearly 100 arts organizations throughout its history. Each year, ComEd funds the initiative, while the League of Chicago Theatres – a coalition of over 200 theaters – manages the application review and award distribution process. This year’s grant recipients represent a wide array of artistic disciplines, from children’s art programs and music education to cultural dance and theater.
“The League of Chicago Theatres is excited to once again partner with ComEd to provide critical funding that helps sustain and grow the arts in our communities,” said Marissa Lynn Jones, executive director at the League of Chicago Theatres. “This year’s 18 recipients are doing remarkable work to engage and inspire their communities through art, and we are honored to support their continued efforts.”
Additional information on the ComEd Powering the Arts Program can be found here.
The 18 recipients and their funded projects of the 2024 ComEd Powering the Arts Program are:
Barrington Dance Ensemble (Barrington, IL) will provide free tickets to their performances, such as “The Nutcracker”, to area seniors and children, particularly those with disabilities. The project will offer seniors and children access to meaningful art experiences, creating joyful memories through the power of dance. Future plans include on-site performances and virtual engagement to maintain connections with the community.
Read more here.
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