Pihos To Host Illinois Arts Council Reception On Feb. 25

(NR 08-2495 Feb. 4, 2008 by David Hamilton)

The College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center (MAC) was recently named a “Partner in Excellence” by the Illinois Arts Council (IAC).

C.O.D. is the only community college in the state to receive this designation. IAC “Partners in Excellence” are selected for their contributions in providing the highest level of arts programming to the community, for their superior management and financial stability, and for providing access to the arts to underserved and multicultural audiences.

On Monday, Feb. 25, State Rep. Sandra Pihos (Dist. 42) will host an IAC Recognition Reception from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the MAC Theatre 2 on the college’s Glen Ellyn campus.

The reception will include an IAC check presentation during which Pihos will recognize the many cultural and worthwhile programs provided by IAC recipients in DuPage County.

This past year, the MAC’s programs reached more than 70,000 people through 155 performances of 71 separate plays and concerts, and seven art exhibits.

In addition, nearly 9,800 children participated last year in SchoolStage, a program which combines the experience of live theatre, dance and music performances with arts education.

“I am a strong supporter of the Illinois Arts Council's monetary grants because I believe these awards encourage the development of diverse cultural opportunities on many levels throughout Illinois,” Pihos said. “These awards help guarantee that the residents of Illinois have many different opportunities to experience and participate in various forms of art and culture.”

This past season the IAC awarded the MAC a $41,580 grant that will provide operating support for its 2007-2008 season, including Gahlberg Gallery exhibitions and more than 40 events and programs produced by the MAC’s resident professional companies, which include the Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, DuPage Opera Theatre and New Philharmonic orchestra.

This season, the IAC also awarded WDCB (90.9 FM), College of DuPage’s public radio station, with an $18,722 grant that will assist with basic operations, including support of staff positions and the purchase of programming.

Other DuPage organizations that have recently received IAC funding include the Morton Arboretum, Advent Chamber Orchestra, Downers Grove Choral Society, Downers Grove Concert Association, Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus, Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale, Illinois Norsk Rosmalers Association and Nrithyala.

For more information, call Roland Raffel, MAC marketing coordinator, at (630) 942-2263.