CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois Humanities (IHC) and the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is hosting One State: A Statewide Convening on Arts and Humanities from Wednesday, November 5 through Friday, November 7 in Champaign. This event is intended to facilitate the collaboration between the arts and humanities councils.
The gathering is intended to initiate innovation and deepen awareness about how critical arts, culture, and humanities are for society.
Speakers include:
- Erin Harkey, Executive Director, Americans for the Arts
- Joshua Ruperto-Davis, Executive Director, Illinois Arts Council
- Dr. Gabrielle H. Lyon, Executive Director, Illinois Humanities
- Monica Eng, Journalist, Axios
The three-day event will take place at the following locations:
How Illinois Is Meeting the Moment
- Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 6 – 8 p.m.
- Carmon’s (804 N Neil Street)
- Discussion about the role of Illinois in the national conversation, featuring Erin Harkey, Gabrielle Lyon, and Joshua Davis-Ruperto, moderated by Monica Eng.
State Investment in Arts & Culture
- Thursday, Nov. 6 | 10 – 11 a.m.
- Illini Ballroom, Hilton Garden Inn (1501 S. Neil Street)
- A special session celebrating IAC’s 60th and Illinois Humanities’ 50th anniversaries, featuring state leaders, elected officials, and the Arts Alliance of Illinois, highlights state investment’s role in the arts and humanities.
Moving Forward
- Friday, Nov. 7|11:40 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Illini Ballroom, Hilton Garden Inn
- Commemorate the moment with Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte and help map the future with colleagues from across the state, facilitated by the 2025 One State Planning Committee and other event organizers.
This conference represents a statewide gathering of leaders in arts, culture, and humanities leaders. Illinois has celebrated 6+ decades of arts, humanities, and communal engagement.
