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.

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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.

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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!

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Upcoming Events

Mar
28
Tue
10:00 am On BOARD 2023: Legal and Fiducia... @ Online
On BOARD 2023: Legal and Fiducia... @ Online
Mar 28 @ 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.  [...]
Apr
26
Wed
10:00 am Learning Lab 2023: Brand Strateg... @ Online
Learning Lab 2023: Brand Strateg... @ Online
Apr 26 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Learning Lab: Brand Strategy And Storytelling for Arts + Culture Nonprofits  Brand strategy is no longer optional for the arts.    Mission statements are aspirational, yet they are not enough – they are not decision-making tools[...]
May
24
Wed
10:00 am On BOARD 2023: Understanding Non... @ Online
On BOARD 2023: Understanding Non... @ Online
May 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
On BOARD: Understanding Nonprofit Finances and Financial Transparency Financial management is not only about bookkeeping. Board members should be aware of ethical considerations regarding money management and financial decision-making. We will talk about financial oversights[...]
Jul
11
Tue
4:00 pm Group Leadership Coaching Pilot ...
Group Leadership Coaching Pilot ...
Jul 11 @ 4:00 pm – Dec 12 @ 8:00 pm
Group Leadership Coaching Pilot Program
Group Leadership Coaching Program   At the Arts & Business Council (A&BC), we understand the difficulties faced by arts leaders who have recently taken on a senior position in a nonprofit organization. With the added[...]
Jul
26
Wed
10:00 am On BOARD 2023: Strategic Plannin... @ Online
On BOARD 2023: Strategic Plannin... @ Online
Jul 26 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
On BOARD® Lab: Envisioning the Future Through Strategic Planning for Nonprofits  On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to[...]

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.