Building the kind of conference that gets me on board

A message from Alliance Executive Director Claire Rice

Locomotive and train cars at the Galesburg Railroad Museum. Photo by Zachary Whittenburg.

Locomotive and train cars at the Galesburg Railroad Museum. Photo by Zachary Whittenburg.

You’ve probably been there, too, in that stuffy hotel ballroom, sneaking another quick glance at your phone. Waiting for the right moment to slip out of that session so that you can respond to that email, grab another coffee, escape to a museum, get some fresh air.

I certainly have.

So when it came to building the tenth One State Together in the Arts conference, I wanted to be sure that we were creating something I’d genuinely want to be a part of. The kind of lineup that makes it seriously difficult to decide which sessions to choose. The kinds of programs offering so much good stuff that I can’t imagine missing out.

Not to toot our own horn, but we’ve done just that — thanks to our staff at the Alliance and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a hardworking conference committee of esteemed arts leaders statewide, and a dedicated creative community on the ground in Galesburg, who’ve rolled out the red carpet to welcome you from across Illinois.

Alumni Hall at Knox College, one of more than a dozen venues hosting One State 2018 sessions and events. Photo by Zachary Whittenburg.

Alumni Hall at Knox College, one of more than a dozen Galesburg venues hosting One State 2018 sessions and events. Photo by Zachary Whittenburg.

What makes this One State, Galesburg XCHANGE, so special? For one, we’ve focused on issues that are deeply meaningful and relevant to the cultural community today: cultural and racial equity, cross-sector collaboration, workforce development — topics resonant and vital to the future of our field, regardless whether you’re an early-career coordinator, a seasoned board member, graduate student, arts educator, practicing artist, anything in between, or any combination thereof.

The more than 50 presenters we’ve brought together, for more than 20 sessions in two short days, represent the great and innovative work being done all over Illinois, throughout the Midwest region, and nationally.

Best of all, it’s not even an option to get “stuck in the hotel” at this One State. Our daytime conference sessions, evening performances and receptions, workshops, exhibitions, and tours will bring you all over central Galesburg and the campus at Knox College. Beyond gathering a ton of useful information and inspiring new ideas in your valuable work, you’ll also get to know this vibrant place and its fascinating history during the most colorful time of the year.

I’m so grateful to all of our funders, volunteers, and staff who’ve put this amazing, unique conference together. I can’t wait to get back to Galesburg in just a few short weeks. Hope to see you there!

Warmly,

Claire Rice
Executive Director
Arts Alliance Illinois

PS: Just added! Performance by Kayem on Tuesday, October 23

Libyan-American hip-hop artist Kayem.

Libyan-American hip-hop artist Kayem.

We’re thrilled to announce that Tuesday’s headline forum, Addressing Race, Identity, and Immigration through Artmaking, will include a brief performance by Libyan-American hip-hop artist Kayem in addition to conversation with visual artist Yvette Mayorga, and Xiaorong Jajah Wu of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. Tuesday’s forum begins at 11am in Kresge Recital Hall at Knox College. Remember, Early Registration rates expire at midnight CST on Friday, October 12, so don’t delay — it’ll cost you as much as $50 more to register later.

One State 2018 conference venue Kresge Recital Hall, Ford Center for the Fine Arts, Knox College. Photo by Zachary Whittenburg.

One State 2018 conference venue Kresge Recital Hall, Ford Center for the Fine Arts, Knox College. Photo by Zachary Whittenburg.

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