2025 Final Report Form

Regional Arts Partners Grant 2025 Summary of Programs

Threshold to Hope, Inc. 

Grant Money Awarded = $900 

A great program that supports many children, though the high cost of supplies is a challenge. The panel recognizes the importance of using high-quality supplies and agrees that providing them for the kids is a priority. 

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Inc. 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,200

A well-structured program that exposes children to high-level performances has clearly shown to help improve academic performance and educational development. An opportunity to expand access to these performances would greatly benefit more children. 

Heartland Productions Inc. 

Grant Money Awarded = $1,800

The program focuses on the elderly, an underserved community, providing performances that have “the whole place laughing and engaged.” A panelist’s mother had an amazing personal experience with the group, clearly demonstrating the impact of these performances. 

Greater Livingston County Arts Council 

Grant Money Awarded = $500

The hands-on activities for approximately 250 children provide valuable learning opportunities. The panel values that the program spans several days, offering extended engagement. Providing children with essential art supplies and experiences is a great investment. 

Gender Envy 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,500

Since establishing a home base, Gender Envy has grown its presence in the community. The panel fully supports its plan to expand engagement and provide performance opportunities for underserved groups. 

McLean County Dance Association 

Grant Money Awarded = $500

Bringing dance performers to senior living facilities serves both the dancers, who connect with the seniors, and the seniors, who enjoy the entertainment. This is a well-loved organization with a thoughtfully planned outreach effort. 

Prairie Fire Theatre 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,200

The theater’s summer shows feature first-rate musicians and terrific programming. The July performances are a great way to present terrific music to the community and serve as an effective outreach opportunity. 

Heartland Jazz Orchestra Foundation 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,000

In the absence of a community band, the Heartland Jazz Orchestra has served multiples counties in our area, offering live music in a genre that’s rarely represented in our outdoor concerts. Having more of their performances in Bloomington is a joy.  

Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,000

The outdoor concerts during First Fridays are a great way to raise awareness, showcase the local arts community, and attract more patrons and businesses to downtown Bloomington. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a fun evening. 

Nomad Theatre Company NFP 

Grant Money Awarded = $1,500 

The types of performances by these talented actors are impressive, and the opportunity to take on complex roles has been a joy for them. Their programming, featuring local and national playwrights, encourages artistic growth and community engagement. 

BCAI Cultural Arts & Humanities 

Grant Money Awarded = 2,000

An incredible outreach opportunity for young performers in the hip-hop, dance, and art communities. This is a developing organization that is growing with our help.

Poco a Poco, Inc. 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,450

The panel recognizes the value of this outreach program, which offers high school students in a rural community an immersive experience in music and networking. This initiative addresses post-COVID gaps and generates long-term community engagement. 

Town of Normal 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,450

This is a strong program that entertains the community at large and brings all of the local high schools together. Teaching kids to work together, act, and communicate is especially important at such a young age.

Holiday Spectacular, Inc. 

Grant Money Awarded = $2,000

A nice program that brings the community together to celebrate the holidays, offering both performers and the public a fun and enjoyable experience. Its indoor location makes it even better, with fewer outdoor challenges. 

The McLean County Arts Center has announced the 2024 recipients for the Community Arts Access Grants on behalf of the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. Funding emphasis is placed on artistic innovation, outreach, underserved populations, participating artists, and organizational stability.

A total of $12,500 was distributed among the following McLean County groups: 

Awards: Illinois Art Station, $1,000; Heartland Jazz Orchestra, $1,400; BCPA, $1,000; West Side Revitalization Project, $300; Prairie Fire Theatre, $1,400; Holiday Spectacular, $1,400; Illinois Symphony Orchestra, $2,000; Threshold to Hope, $200; Heartland Theatre, $1,500; Town of Normal’ $2,000 Breaking Chains Advancing Influence, $300.