Springfield Area Arts Council

03/14/2026

We're searching for local organizations who would like to join Community Row at this year's Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series presented by PNC Bank!

Complete the form below if you're interested!

03/13/2026

𝓛𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓭'𝓼 𝓢𝓸𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓽𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼

Dearest Gentle Reader,

This author is curious...have you secured your place at the Diamond Ball? Your presence ensures that this most anticipated evening will indeed be worthy of the season.

It must be noted that the ball is now less than one month away. The preparations are well underway, whispers are circulating among the Ton, and all signs suggest it shall be an evening one will not soon forget.

This author cannot discuss the festivities without mentioning the matter on everyone’s mind: the Diamond of the Ball. Should you wish to be considered for this most distinguished honor, you are encouraged to secure your raffle tickets without delay. One most fortunate guest will be presented before Her Majesty the Queen and celebrated as the evening’s Diamond.

And tell me, dear reader… have you settled upon your attire? I can only imagine the splendid gowns, refined coats, and dazzling ensembles that will soon grace the ballroom. The Ton awaits with great anticipation to see how each guest will arrive in their Regency finest.

Until the evening of enchantment arrives, I remain most eager for the grand reveal.

Yours in the most fashionable anticipation,
Lady Pasfield

--

Secure your tickets and enter for a chance to become the Diamond of the Ball:
🔗springfieldartsco.org/2026/02/diamond-ball/

📷 Victoria Hudspeth Photography

03/10/2026

😁We are happy to bring another year of Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series presented by PNC Bank to downtown Springfield. 🥰 Please help us support our local artists by sharing this wonderful opportunity to perform‼️

Thank you for your interest in performing at Levitt AMP Springfield. Please complete the form in its entirety to be considered as an opener for the 2026 season. We will only use this information to contact you about Levitt AMP Springfield.

03/05/2026

🎨 City Arts Grant Applications Now Open! 🎨

Springfield artists are invited to apply for funding to support projects that bring creativity, culture, and artistic experiences to the city of Springfield.

These grants help make new exhibitions, performances, public art, and creative programs possible right here in Springfield. If you have an idea that will engage and inspire the community through the arts, we encourage you to apply.

📅 Application Deadline: April 17
🔗 Learn more about eligibility and apply today: springfieldartsco.org/city-arts

This program is funded through support from the City of Springfield.

📷 Photo Credit: Cee Jones
Fae Propaganda Art Show
2024 City Arts Grant Project

03/04/2026

📣 We are proud to announce the winners of the Illinois State Poetry Out Loud competition.

State Champion: Jaden Conley, Niles West High School
Runner-up: Elliana Sheehan, Wheaton-Warrenville South High School

They were the best of fourteen students from around the state who competed on Monday, March 2, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Conley now will advance to the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest in D.C. in late April.

🏆 Awards by Star Graphics and Media
📷 Photos by William Richards Photography

03/03/2026

💎👑 The Search for the Diamond Begins… 👑💎

Raffle entries are now on sale for your chance to be crowned Diamond of the Ball at our Bridgerton-inspired 50th Anniversary celebration.

One distinguished guest will be selected and formally presented to the Queen in a moment worthy of the ton — and will receive a commemorative keepsake marking the occasion.

Will it be you? Secure your raffle entries now and prepare to dazzle. ✨

🎟️ Purchase tickets online or in-person at our office!
🔗 springfieldartsco.org/2026/02/diamond-ball/

03/01/2026

Twenty-four hours from now - at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 2, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts - talented teens from around the state will compete for the state championship of Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest and the opportunity to represent the prairie state late next month in D.C.
These insightful and energetic competitors already have won classroom, school, and regional contests. Please come to enjoy (and perhaps learn from) their recitations of classic American poetry. There's plenty of room in the LRS Theater, and it is an accessible venue. Hearing assistance is available from the box office. And it's free.

02/24/2026

⏳ One week to go!

The Illinois Poetry Out Loud State Competition takes place Monday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hoogland Center for the Arts — and our Central Illinois students are ready to take the stage. The competition will welcome special guest Mark Turcotte, Illinois Poet Laureate.

Our Champion and Runner-Up will represent our region with talent, dedication, and powerful performances. They will be joined by 12 other students who will vie for the title of State Champion.

Join us to support these incredible students and celebrate the art of spoken word. 🎤📖

Let’s pack the house and cheer them on!

The Illinois State Competition is co-coordinated by the Springfield Area Arts Council and the Illinois Arts Council.

Champion: Jillian Garcia of Decatur’s Eisenhower High School
Runner-Up: Ace O’Malley of Springfield Southeast High School
Alternate: Emma Selhime of Pawnee High School

📸William Richards Photography

02/21/2026

Dearest Gentle Reader… 💐✨

The Springfield Area Arts Council is celebrating 50 years of championing the arts, and you’re invited to the social event of the season.

Join us for our spring fundraiser, the Diamond Ball, filled with music, dancing, signature cocktails, and the crowning of our Diamond of the Ball. 👑💎

This enchanting evening supports our community arts programming and re-granting efforts — ensuring the arts continue to flourish for the next 50 years.

Tickets are limited. The season awaits.

Yours Truly,
Lady Pasfield

🔗 springfieldartsco.org/2026/02/diamond-ball/

📷 Victoria Hudspeth

02/16/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Jillian Garcia of Decatur Eisenhower High School for earning first place at the Central Illinois Poetry Out Loud Regional Contest!

👏 Shoutout as well to Ace O’Malley of Springfield Southeast High School for taking second place!

Now these two talented students advance to the Illinois State Competition for a chance to represent the Prairie State at nationals.

📅 Monday, March 2
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
📍 LRS Theatre, Hoogland Center for the Arts

📸 Photography by William Richards Photography
🏆 Awards from Star Graphics and Media

02/13/2026

🎨 Arts are happening in our schools.

Through the Penny Wollan-Kriel Arts in Education Grant, the Springfield Area Arts Council brings professional artists directly into public and private schools across Sangamon and Menard counties. For many students, these experiences are their only exposure to the arts during the school day.

We are proud to support the following schools:

✨ Enos Elementary
✨ Early Learning Center
✨ Washington Middle School
✨ Dubois Elementary
✨ St. Patrick Catholic School
✨ New Berlin High School - New Berlin Community Schools
✨ PORTA Central - PORTA School District #202

Funding is still available and applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are expended.

Learn more and apply: springfieldartsco.org/arts-education

Because every student deserves access to creative expression.