Founded in 2015 by criminal justice reform advocates, those formerly incarcerated, and others, Restore Justice believes every human being deserves dignity, including those who have committed serious crimes. Restore Justice works toward a day when the criminal legal system in Illinois treats every case as an opportunity to heal individuals and communities. We advocate for fairness, humanity, and compassion throughout the system, with a primary focus on those affected by extreme sentences imposed in their youth.

Read the full Illinois Humanities grantee spotlight on Jobi Cates, Wendell Robinson, and Restore Justice.

Founded in 2005, Fifth House Ensemble (5HE) taps the collaborative spirit of chamber music to create engaging performances and interactive educational programs, forging meaningful partnerships with unexpected venues, artists of other disciplines, educational institutions, and audiences of every type.

Read the full Illinois Humanities grantee spotlight on Melissa Ngan and 5th House.

Founded in 2016 through a new collaboration between the National Museum of Mexican Art, the International Latino Cultural Center, and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, CLATA aims to produce the country’s leading Latino theater festival (“Destinos”), to provide organizational and financial support for Chicago’s Latino theater groups, and to build a permanent home for Chicago’s Latino theater companies to thrive and grow.

Read the full Illinois Humanities grantee spotlight on the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance.

About Junior Docent Camp

The General John A. Logan Museum plans to hold a week-long day camp in July for students entering eighth through twelfth grades who are interested in becoming junior docents at the museum. It will include opportunities to learn about site interpretation, historical and archaeological research, artisanal skills such as spinning and weaving, and nineteenth-century games. The camp is intended to develop a pool of young volunteers who can conduct activities at the museum. It also aims to teach them knowledge and skills that they can apply in other contexts within the community and beyond.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with the Museum’s Board Member and Education Programs Coordinator, Betsy Brown.

About Teamwork Englewood

Teamwork Englewood is the fiscal agent for the Folded Map project. Founded in 2003, Teamwork Englewood seeks to unite the many organizations serving Englewood residents and work toward the common goal of building a stronger community.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with CCT’s Artistic Director, Jacqueline Russell.

About Chicago Children’s Theatre (CCT)

The Chicago Children’s Theatre (CCT) was founded in 2005 with the notion that a great theater city needs a great children’s theater. Nearly 15 years later, it has produced 20 world premieres, mostly from award-winning literary works. CCT has received six NEA Art Works grants, and in 2017 became the first theater for young audiences in the U.S. to win a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards. CCT also continues to grow its education programs, offering classes, workshops, winter and spring break camps, and summer camps for children up to age 13.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with CCT’s Artistic Director, Jacqueline Russell.

About Bronzeville / Black Chicagoan Historical Society (BHS)

Founded in 1999, the Bronzeville / Black Chicagoan Historical Society (BHS) was started by a small group of enthusiastic family history researchers. BHS began due to an overwhelming concern for the diminishing historical sites in African American communities and continues to raise public awareness about endangered and unmarked historic sites in Bronzeville. The BHS archives include family documents, oral histories, memorabilia, quilts, objects, film, and photographs. BHS has recorded more than 20 oral histories about the Great Migration from community elders.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with the BHS’s president, Sherry Williams.

About OSF HealthCare

Founded in 1877, OSF HealthCare’s Mission is “to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life.” OSF provides equal access for all individuals.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with OSF HealthCare Foundation’s Grants Program Development Officer, Gina Pribaz Vozenilek.

About Coles County Arts Council (CCAC)

Founded in 1984, the Coles County Arts Council is dedicated to fostering, promoting and developing the arts and the historical and cultural heritage of Coles County. CCAC is largely volunteer run, hosts its own events, and helps local groups hold workshops, exhibitions and performances to make art and history come alive in the community. This was CCAC’s fourth grant from Illinois Humanities.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with CCAC’s Arts in the Cemetery/Historical Arts Chairperson, Carolyn J. Stephens.

About American Indian Center (AIC)

Founded in 1953, the American Indian Center (AIC) was established to provide a gathering space with culture-based programs for Native American families displaced by the Federal Relocation Program of the 1950s. The AIC’s mission is “To promote fellowship among Indian people of all Tribes living in metropolitan Chicago and to create bonds of understanding and communication between Indians and non-Indians in this city. To advance the general welfare of Indian people, to sustain cultural, artistic, and avocational pursuits, and to perpetuate Indian cultural values.” The AIC has received seven grants from Illinois Humanities.

Learn more about the project and upcoming events, including a Q&A session with AIC’s Executive Director, Heather Miller.