Lending Expertise.
Providing Support.
Facilitating Partnerships.

What We Do

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s mission is to strengthen our city’s creative economy.

We do this by building working relationships between organizations and skilled Chicagoans from our city’s various business communities, providing training in all aspects of management and board functions, and highlighting research in leading and emerging issues related to the world of arts nonprofits.

Learn More →

DONATE

Services & Opportunities

FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES

Are you looking for ways to strengthen your organization or business? Perhaps new relationships, board members, volunteer consultants, or learning? Our programs and services connect you to these and more.

Find Out How →

FOR VOLUNTEERS

We’re looking for remarkable people. People who get things done and enjoy seeing others succeed. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, get to know Chicago a little better, or simply give back to our city, A&BC has a program for you!

Learn More →

Upcoming Events

Nov
29
Tue
10:00 am Learning Lab 2022: Creating Cult... @ Online
Learning Lab 2022: Creating Cult... @ Online
Nov 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Learning Lab 2022: Creating Cultures of Belonging in Arts Organizations @ Online
  At the Arts & Business Council of Chicago, we are creating a world where creativity is universally valued as a resource with limitless potential for social and economic impact. We are an arts service organization[...]
Dec
14
Wed
10:00 am On BOARD 2022: Board Cultivation... @ Online
On BOARD 2022: Board Cultivation... @ Online
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am
On BOARD 2022: Board Cultivation. Actionable Insights on Board Recruitment, Engagement & Assessment @ Online
At the Arts & Business Council of Chicago, we are creating a world where creativity is universally valued as a resource with limitless potential for social and economic impact. We are an arts service organization[...]
Jan
25
Wed
10:00 am On BOARD 2023: Nonprofit Organiz... @ Online
On BOARD 2023: Nonprofit Organiz... @ Online
Jan 25 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
On BOARD: Nonprofit Organizational Model, Looking at Conventional v Transformative Structures Who owns a nonprofit? This question is a bit more complicated than it seems! In this session, we will answer this question and learn[...]
Feb
22
Wed
10:00 am Learning Lab 2023: Deep Listenin... @ Online
Learning Lab 2023: Deep Listenin... @ Online
Feb 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Learning Lab: How Human-Centered Design Can Help You Listen to What Your Community Needs  George Aye, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Greater Good Studio, will lead participants in a deep listening session. This method[...]
Mar
29
Wed
10:00 am On BOARD 2023: Legal and Fiducia... @ Online
On BOARD 2023: Legal and Fiducia... @ Online
Mar 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations.  [...]

News

Since launching…

On BOARD

Over 300 volunteers trained and matched

Business Volunteers for the Arts

Over $14.5 million in pro bono consulting services

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Work Fund, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events CityArts grant, Albert Pick Jr Fund, Alphawood Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Driehaus Foundation, and The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince.