ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥

ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ Arts & Ideas Program Receives Illinois Arts Council Grant

The ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ Arts & Ideas program received a “General Operating Support” grant from the for the 2024-25 academic year. This IAC grant is awarded to not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the organization's mission. Awarded organizations demonstrate ongoing arts programs and a strong commitment to making artistic programs accessible and relevant to a diverse range of participants.

A & I received this grant before, but this year is an automatic three-year renewal. Dr. Mike McFerron, professor of and A & I co-director, said, “We are incredibly grateful to the Illinois Arts Council for this generous award. Since it will automatically renew for three years, we are able to plan programming further out, allowing us to continue focusing on engaging programs that are relevant to our students, faculty, staff, and residents from the surrounding communities.”

Earlier this academic year, A & I received a $2,500 grant to support the Leandro López Várady Trio performance on September 19. 

Várady is a popular Argentine pianist currently playing in Chicagoland. A staple in the Chicago jazz scene since 2000, Várady has performed at various prestigious performance halls and festivals around the world. 

The concert featured music from Várady’s latest album, “Third Stream,” which includes original jazz arrangements of traditional Ukrainian folk music commissioned by the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Arts. 

From its inception, A&I aims to help cultivate the “complete person.” It integrates several organizations on campus and is committed to establishing ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ as an artistic and cultural center for Will County and Chicago's southwest suburbs. A&I is comprised of the Ideas Series, the Performing Arts Series, the Wadsworth Family Gallery, the Phillip Lynch Theatre, and Jet Fuel Review.

More information about the Arts & Ideas program at ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ can be found at .

ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.