OmniArts in Starved Rock Country, a trust dedicated to supporting local artists and art organizations, has received $25,000 from an unnamed donor to kick-off the 2014-15 annual fund campaign.
This gift marks a successful beginning for OmniArts, formerly known as the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust.
"Anytime you rebrand a 20-year-old organization, you worry about reactions from the community,” said OmniArts Executive Director Bill Jankowski. “We gave the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust a new name, new look and an expanded mission. The generosity of this donor is a great sign that we are heading in the right direction.”
OmniArts unveiled its new name, look and mission at the Starved Rock Country Alliance’s Conference on Economic Development Oct. 29. Jankowski spoke at the conference on the importance of the arts in economic development.
For 20 years the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust has supported the arts in Starved Rock Country, by providing funding to artists, cultural groups, art organizations, community theatres, schools and libraries.
OmniArts will continue to award special purpose grants to full-time, nonprofit music, art and theatre organizations, and program grants to schools, libraries and community groups.
"OmniArts’ goal is to raise $70,000 during the upcoming annual fund campaign. This will provide artists and art organizations the support they need to be successful,” said Jankowski.
The campaign began Nov. 12 and runs through Jan. 30, 2015. Interested donors can email OmniArts at billj@omniarts.org for information.
"We all benefit when we work together,” said Jankowski. “Our mission can only be fulfilled through community involvement. If you believe in the arts, if you believe in supporting a vibrant arts community, if you believe in what our community can become, then take a moment to give today.”
OmniArts is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.