With $25,000 to spend, the Springfield Area Arts Council literally is bringing music to your ears after a long COVID silence in venues across Central Illinois. “Just as other small businesses received aid during the pandemic, we now turn our attention toward community arts,” said Sheila Walk, executive director of Springfield Area Arts Council. “This generous grant will help us get back to the music.”
This program, called Back to the Music, is working to reignite live entertainment by paying local performers directly for playing in area restaurants, bars, and other venues as it becomes safer for people to gather. The Arts Council invites area musicians to receive payment for arranging appearances in various settings.
The pandemic stopped places from hiring artists to play for pay or tips in front of live audiences. According to Arts Alliance Illinois, the state’s artists and performers experienced a 66% unemployment rate during coronavirus shutdowns. In addition to hiring artists, the Back to the Music program aims to aid venue owners by increasing their crowds and boosting revenue.
Working with a wide multitude of genres and backgrounds, this Arts Council effort empowers musicians to approach venues and create their own shows. Recipients can support venues that have supported them or showcase their talents in front of new audiences.
Dates and details of Back to the Music performances can be found on the Arts Council website: springfieldartsco.org. This program is supported by a grant from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and is a project of The Next Ten, a local framework that defines how our community can take bold steps together for the region’s future.
Those who live in Sangamon, Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, and Morgan counties are eligible to receive the grant. Musicians who wish to apply for funds should call Sheila Walk at 217-753-3519.
