Events

See the events calendar

The Arts Council provides opportunities for everyone at a wide variety of events and programs. There is truly something for everyone, and nearly all of our events provide revenue to fund our other programs and services including grants to organizations and placing artists in schools.

MAYOR'S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS CEREMONY ANNOUNCED

The Springfield Area Arts Council and the Office of the Mayor are pleased to announce the 2009 Mayor's Awards for the Arts. The Awards will be presented on Thursday, January 29 at 5:30 PM in the LRS Theater in the Hoogland Center for the Arts. This year is the 18th presentation of the awards with recipients receiving artwork by Stephen Ritchie, photographer. The Mayor's Awards for the Arts recognize outstanding commitment and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Menard Counties, the area served by the Springfield Area Arts Council. The awards selection committee, appointed by the Mayor, reviews the nominations and selects the award recipients in the appropriate categories. Since the first presentation of the awards in 1985, 84 individuals, organizations or businesses have received this arts award. Following the Mayor’s Awards will be the grant presentation to individuals, arts organizations and social service organizations with arts programming, receiving grant funding through the Community Arts Access and City Arts programs. Twenty-one (21) grants will be awarded. Attendance at the ceremony is open to the public. For reservations to the Mayor's Awards for the Arts and grants presentation and complimentary reception following the ceremony, call the Springfield Area Arts Council at 753-3519. Deadline for reservations is Monday, January 26, 2009.

Uptown Friday Night:

Join us every Friday night at Robbie’s Restaurant for great music and fabulous food. Our partnership with Robbie’s owner Arch Bailey provides one of the hippest activities to wind down the workweek. A variety of favorite local bands hits the stage at 5:30 and plays a great two hour set. A 50/50 raffle is held each week to support the programs and services of the Arts Council.

Artist On The Plaza:

Bring a lunch to the South Plaza of the Old State Capitol and enjoy free entertainment every Tuesday and Thursday at noon from May through September. Performances range from singer/songwriters, to musical ensembles, to the cast of the MUNI productions. A great way to break up the work day or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Springfield.

Washington Street Jazz & Blues Festival:

This event, a Springfield favorite since 1986, features six fantastic bands on two stages, with food and beverages provided by Turasky’s Catering and E&F Distributors. Admission is only $12 a person…that’s $2 a band! Proceeds benefit the Community Arts Access grant program. In 2008, the Arts Council awarded $13,035 to 16 area organizations. Click to see the most recent grant recipient list. Photos from the 2008 Festival Information and lineup for 2009 (coming soon) MAYORS AWARDS FOR THE ARTS ON MY OWN TIME Dec. 31 – First Night Springfield Jan. 29 – Mayors Awards for the Arts

Calendar Information

On this calendar you will also find information on the fine events hosted by our member organizations. Visit the Arts Community Section for more information on each of these outstanding organizations.