Issue 53 / July 11, 2025

In this issue:

• One State Call for Proposals Now Open: How Are You Meeting the Moment?

• Illinois Humanities Call for Speakers

• IAC Creative Projects Grant Drop-in #2 Scheduled for Friday, July 18

• NEA Grants Now Available

• Illinois Artist Spotlight

• Additional Opportunities

 One State Call for Proposals Now Open

How Are You Meeting the Moment?

The Illinois Arts Council and Illinois Humanities invite organizations and cultural workers to submit session proposals for this year’s One State Conference—a statewide gathering that centers reflection, dialogue, and collective imagination.

This year’s theme, Meeting the Moment, asks: What does this time demand of us? What

can we build together through the arts and humanities?

Call for Proposals is open through August 22—we want to hear from you. Learn more and

apply at www.ilhumanities.org/onestate.

Have you registered for One State in the Arts & Humanities?

Click here to register at the Early Bird rate through September 19th, book your hotel stay at a discounted rate, and learn more about the convening. Please always feel free to reach out to us with any questions at OneState@ILHumanities.org.

Illinois Humanities Call for Speakers

Catherine Lambrecht’s presentation in Bloomington, IL. Photo credit, Illinois Humanities

The Illinois Humanities (IH) Road Scholars Speakers Bureau is looking for passionate individuals to join their next class of scholars. Applications to join the 2026-2027 Road Scholars Speakers Bureau are currently open now through August 29th.

About the Program: The Illinois Humanities’ Road Scholars Speakers Bureau brings engaging humanities experts—such as historians, writers, and artists—to communities across Illinois for free public talks and discussions at nonprofit organizations, including libraries, museums, arts councils, historical societies, civic groups, and many others. 

About the Call: Speakers who are selected to join our Road Scholars Speakers roster will receive a set amount per presentation based on the mileage and event format. This amount is intended to cover a $300 honorarium as well as necessary mileage, lodging, and meals. 

• For more information, check out the Call for Speakers on IH's webpage, as well as this short video that includes more about the program and tips for applying.
• Please reach out to Nicole Rodriguez at speakers@ilhumanities.org with any questions. 
• If you know someone who would be a strong speaker, please send them the link to the website and video above; you can also pass their name and email along to speakers@ilhumanities.org so IH knows you recommended them!  

NEA Grants Now Available

Grants for Arts Projects

Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) provides funding for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector. We welcome applications from first-time and returning applicants; from organizations serving rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities of all sizes; and from organizations with small, medium, or large operating budgets. Application deadline is Thursday, July 17. Follow the LINK to learn more.

NEA "Celebrating America250: Arts Projects Honoring the National Garden of American Heroes"

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026, the National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to announce a special grant opportunity to honor the contributions to American history of the individuals who will be featured in the National Garden of American Heroes. The NEA will offer grants of $25,000 each (no cost share required) for arts projects in any discipline that celebrate the contributions to American history of one or more of the national heroes listed in Executive Order 13978. Application deadline is Monday, July 14. Follow the LINK to learn more.

Illinois Artist Spotlight

Tomás Gueglio, FY25 Creative Accelerator Grant Recipient

Tomás Gueglio is an Argentine composer and guitarist currently teaching at DePaul University's School of Music in Chicago. He earned a PhD from the University of Chicago in 2016, a master’s from Syracuse in 2010, and a bachelor’s from Universidad Católica Argentina in 2007. Known for his innovative approach to sound and texture, his compositions have garnered attention from prestigious organizations such as the Library of Congress and the Americas Society. Tomás has collaborated with celebrated ensembles and soloists, including Ensemble Dal Niente, Quince Ensemble, Ekmeles and Departure Duo.

IAC's Creative Accelerator Fund has helped support his latest album, Ciclo Lamarque, due to be released in the fall of 2026. The work draws inspiration from the mid-twentieth-century Argentine tango melodrama "Cita en la Frontera,' starring the iconic tango performer Libertad Lamarque. This project involves composing, recording, and releasing new works that reflect the essence of tango, bridging traditional influences with contemporary techniques. Highlighting the vital role of funding in bringing his artistic vision to life, Tomas shares, "Recording and releasing an album is a costly affair. I will use the resources from the Creative Accelerator Fund to underwrite artists' fees and studio costs for the recording of the two works remaining to complete the album." Follow the link below to learn more about Tomás and hear his latest works.