The Times Weekly,
The Illinois Arts Council Agency has issued its first grant to the Joliet Arts Commission. The general operating support grant of $15,950 designates Joliet’s commission as an official Local Arts Agency and is intended to fund local programming and operating expenses. Despite challenges to the arts and cultural sector during the pandemic, the commission has been organizing since it was established in 2019.
“I am grateful for all of our commissioners who continue to volunteer their time and energy to the arts in Joliet,” said Erick Deshaun Dorris, the Joliet Art Commission’s chairperson. “Now in our third year, we are preparing to present a plan for the city’s existing murals to the city council this spring.”
The City of Joliet continues to make investments to fund local cultural institutions. The 2022 city budget includes level-funding for the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the Rialto Square Theater totaling $575,000. Additionally, budgeted amounts totaling $679,771 will support the Old Joliet Prison site and Bicentennial Park.
“We’re glad to have Bicentennial Park back open after a brief closure during the worst of the pandemic,” added Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. “In addition, we are making capital improvements to that facility so we can better serve families and community members.”
For more information, visit the Joliet Arts Commission at www.joliet.gov/government/boards-commissions/arts-commission.
