Exciting News! Today marks a momentous occasion in the vibrant tapestry of Illinois’ artistic community. As of this week, the Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) will be uniting its operations and programs with Lawyers for the Creative Arts (LCA). This strategic move marks the beginning of a new chapter, consolidating crucial resources to empower artists and fuel creative growth.
With nearly 100 years of combined experience supporting the creative sector, the newly combined programming under LCA will leverage the strengths of both organizations.
For nearly four decades, the Arts and Business Council of Chicago has been a beacon of support, delivering invaluable educational and consulting services tailored to the unique needs of artists and arts administrators while strengthening the business sector through volunteerism. From our signature Business Volunteers for the Arts program to innovative initiatives like On BOARD, smARTscope, and Learning Labs, we have touched the lives of thousands of arts organizations, fostering a culture of resilience and vibrancy in our beloved city.
Similarly, Lawyers for the Creative Arts has stood as a stalwart champion of the arts for over half a century, providing pro bono legal representation to tens of thousands of artists and organizations. Their unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of creatives has been instrumental in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our arts community.
The decision to fuse our programs stems from a shared vision of creating a stronger, more unified support system for Illinois’ arts ecosystem. While A&BC and LCA have operated independently in the past, the synergies between our missions and programs have always been evident. Now, by offering all our programs under one roof, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to deliver an even broader range of services to the arts community.
To our cherished supporters, partners, and participants: What lies ahead is a convergence of legacy and innovation, a fusion of past successes and future possibilities. As we merge our databases and consolidate our resources, rest assured that our commitment to you remains unwavering.
Together, under the banner of Lawyers for the Creative Arts, we will continue to provide a comprehensive suite of programs and services designed to nurture creativity, foster collaboration, and strengthen the fabric of our arts community. From legal counsel to capacity-building workshops, from mentorship opportunities to a continuation of Business Volunteers for the Arts, we are dedicated to empowering artists and arts organizations across the state of Illinois.
As we bid farewell to the Arts and Business Council of Chicago website, we invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion. Together, let us embrace the boundless potential of this new chapter and envision a future where the arts flourish and creativity knows no bounds.
We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support throughout the years, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and collaboration with you by our side.
Thank you for your belief in the transformative power of the arts. Together, we are building a brighter, more vibrant tomorrow.
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago is supported in part by grants from the Alphawood Foundation, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events – CityArts; Driehaus Foundation, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Illinois Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts; and Allstate, AON, CIBC and Old National Bank.