Program pledges $2.2M to support arts education in Chicago public schools
Lollapalooza organizers have announced the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, a $2.2 million investment to support arts education for more than 100,000 students in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The world-class music festival will partner with Chicago’s leading arts education institution, Ingenuity, to distribute funding for transformative arts programs to CPS schools with the least amount of arts access.
“We have been a part of the Chicago community since 2005 and this investment allows us to expand our impact in a significant way,” states Charlie Walker, Partner, C3 Presents, Lollapalooza promoter. “We know that the next generation of artists and musicians is growing up right here in Chicago schools, yet too many children have little or no access to arts education. The Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund aims to ensure that all Chicago Public School students have the opportunity to develop their creative talent,” he added.
The $2.2 million commitment, to be distributed through 2026, is intended to close the gap in arts education, and will partner with Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund which will administer and distribute the funds directly to schools. Support will be targeted to Chicago neighborhoods, where 105,000 predominantly black, Latinx and low-income CPS students do not have access to the arts. Each year, under-resourced schools will be able to apply for funding to support investments in art and music teachers to sustain new programs. This vital support will provide students with educational programming that fosters creativity, improves the learning environment, and leads to stronger engagement in schooling.
“Addressing the equity gap in arts education is precisely why we created the Creative Schools Fund. This contribution will provide 220 of Chicago’s public schools with expanded arts and music programs,” shares Paul Sznewajs, Executive Director of Ingenuity. “The students we serve know Lollapalooza as an opportunity for musicians to perform on the world’s biggest stage; now, they will know Lollapalooza to be a supporter of music on Chicago’s youngest stages. We thank C3 for their significant donation and for approaching us with a bold plan to help address this need.”
Since 2012, the Creative Schools Fund has supported teacher-designed and led arts partnerships within CPS schools. These programs often feature collaborations with community arts organizations and teaching artists, bringing the rich cultural resources of Chicago into its classrooms.
“For far too long, our children in low-income communities and communities of color have suffered from a chronic lack of creative spaces in their schools,” adds Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “This investment and partnership with the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund will significantly help to address this issue and enrich the lives of more than 100,000 students by giving them the resources they need to thrive academically and artistically.”
“Art and music education helps students unlock their creative potential and our goal is to ensure every CPS student has access to rich arts programming,” comments Dr. José M. Torres, Interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools. “I’d like to thank the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund for their continued partnership. This generous donation will benefit thousands of CPS students beginning this school year when we will welcome them back to the classroom five days a week Monday, August 30.”
Lollapalooza makes its official return to Chicago this summer, featuring an all-star lineup including Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator, Miley Cyrus, DaBaby, Marshmello, Illenium, Journey, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch and more to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the world-class festival. More than 165 bands will perform on eight stages over four full days of music through August 1st in Chicago’s crown jewel, Grant Park.
