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
10
Wed
11:30 am Learning Lab: Generating Revenue... @ Webinar
Learning Lab: Generating Revenue... @ Webinar
Nov 10 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Learning Lab: Generating Revenue by Creating Operational Efficiencies @ Webinar
With limited ability to generate NEW revenue, can you find a greater margin of profit by creating operational efficiencies? Join us for this participatory workshop focusing on creative and innovative solutions for your business or[...]
Nov
23
Tue
8:30 am Round Table: “Undoing Past Harms” @ Webinar
Round Table: “Undoing Past Harms” @ Webinar
Nov 23 @ 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Round Table: "Undoing Past Harms" @ Webinar | Chicago | Illinois | United States
For the remainder of the year we will be exploring the theme of the senior leader’s role in “Undoing Past Harms… While Leading Future Strategy.” Many leaders, whether new or seasoned, are faced with undoing harms[...]
Dec
6
Mon
11:30 am On BOARD: Arts Advocacy for the ... @ Webinar
On BOARD: Arts Advocacy for the ... @ Webinar
Dec 6 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
On BOARD: Arts Advocacy for the Nonprofit Board Member @ Webinar
Did your organization receive pandemic relief funds?   You might not realize the connection between that relief and advocacy.   Such things as a Business Interruption grants, the PPP, and/or funding through local COVID Relief Fund(s) or the national American Rescue Plan are all results of advocates’ influence on decision makers to ensure the arts sector had access to[...]

News

Since launching…

On BOARD

Over 300 volunteers trained and matched

Business Volunteers for the Arts

Over $10 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.