To increase access to the arts and strengthen local communities, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres announced grants to 17 non-profit arts organizations throughout northern Illinois. The grantees, which range from local theaters to art galleries, will receive up to $10,000 each for projects that expand access to arts and cultural offerings for underserved audiences in the communities ComEd serves. This is the first year that ComEd and the League, an alliance of more than 200 Chicago theatres, have partnered for the Powering the Arts Program. Both organizations are committed to supporting institutions that broaden exposure and access to the arts to enhance the vibrancy of the community. ComEd funds the program, and the League serves as the program administrator for grantees.

Information on the Powering the Arts Program can be found here: https://leagueofchicagotheatres.org/comedpoweringthearts.html. Among the grant recipients for 2018 are:

Free Street Theater
The grant will allow Free Street Theater to present a theatrical event in each of Chicago’s 50 wards, created by a multi-racial, multi-generational ensemble.

The Miracle Center
The grant will support the world premiere theatrical adaption of the Puerto Rican children’s book, “There’s a Coqui in my Shoe!”

My Block, My Hood, My City
The grant will provide opportunities for youth who are economically disadvantaged to visit arts and cultural organizations and connect with professionals who have similar backgrounds.