About CAC

Goals

Cultural Arts Connection continues to have the following goals in mind:

• Bring communities of people together to better appreciate cultural diversity and the communities within its boundaries.
• Provide funds to promote, encourage and foster the arts for all.
• Helping artists and arts organizations to improve quality
• Insuring consideration of aesthetic issues in local decision making
• Continuing to encourage and engage in cultural planning in our community decisions.
• Promote a healthy community through high-quality cultural events that are consistent with the high values and expectations of the community. The Cultural Arts Connection believes that all events and opportunities offered are a reflection of the very community in which we live.

* The Cultural Arts Connection hosted the Ela Festival of Arts for eight years. The Ela Festival of Arts was recognized by the Illinois Governor's Home Town Award in 2000.

Cultural Arts Connection Mission and Value

To support and develop healthy, more creative communities through the arts.

Cultural Arts Connection’s mission is guided by a set of VALUES that shape the council’s work. *

CAC firmly believes in …

• The arts are an integral part of life-long learning and a healthy community.
• The involvement of the individual artists is fundamental to the growth of the arts.
• The arts enhance the vitality of our society.
• The affirmation and support for diversity.
• The accessibility of public arts activities to all people.
• The commitment to excellence and quality in the arts experience.
• The preservation of our cultural heritage.
• The responsible stewardship of our resources.
• The need for ardent advocacy for the arts.
• The power of the arts as a stimulant to our economic environment.
• The encouragement of the highest aspiration of all art endeavors.
  * Inspired and established in part by Illinois Arts Council .

Funding and Programs

• Program support (which relates to specific costs associated with a program such as fees, travel costs, promotion or publicity materials, etc.) for the development or presentation of arts or cultural programs.
• Public art project
• Special projects

Cultural Arts Connection receives financial support from public and private entities. A funding application may be obtained by contacting Cultural Arts Connection at 847-540-1919 or on-line in the Grants & Loans Program section of this site.

Historical Perspective

Cultural Arts Connection (CAC) began as a grass-roots effort to bring the communities within Ela Township together through the arts to increase community pride, cultural opportunities, and to showcase local talent. Since the first *Ela Festival of the Arts held on September 14,1996, CAC has been an organization dedicated to enriching lives through quality cultural events and programs. In 2002, Cultural Arts Connection has grown and presented 12 events reaching over 12,000 people.

Due to this growth and the strain it put on resources, Cultural Arts Connection hosted a public forum called “Creating Cultural Vitality” in January 2003. It became evident that Cultural Arts Connection could better serve the communities within its service area and the arts by supporting the development of arts programs rather than continue to produce more and larger events such as Ela Festival of Arts. This website and the services outline on this site are a result of this new direction.

Governance

Cultural Arts Connection is governed by up to thirteen directors which are nominated to serve three-year terms and have the fiduciary responsibility to follow the law as it pertains to 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporations, the mission, goals, and values as outlined.

Freedom of Expression Policy

The Cultural Arts Connection is committed to preserving and enhancing freedom of speech, thought, inquiry and artistic expression. The Council’s responsibility for and dedication to securing the conditions in which freedom of expression can flourish extend to all forms of artistic expression, including the visual and performing arts.

Programs seeking funding from the Council undergo a thorough evaluation, including review by citizens knowledgeable in the arts field, artists, and the Directors who make up the governing body of the Council. The final determination of funding for programs rests solely with the Council.

The Cultural Arts Connection recognizes that the right of artists to exhibit or perform does not preclude the right of others to take exception to particular works of art.

Testimonials:

"Cultural Arts Connection helped to establish or strengthen relationships between the Village of Lake Zurich and other Ela governments and groups. All of these positive things were accomplished by a committed force of volunteers."

Jim Krischke, Mayor of Lake Zurich

"As a business owner I've seen how the arts not only enhance the quality of life in an area but the economic strength and viability of Ela Township. Its influence is far-reaching."

Mike Carlino, President and CEO, Cambridge Bank

"The arts are universal. The lyrics of a song can be written in one language, but the melody will convey the feeling, even if the words are strange. You can create a painting that will mean something different to everyone who sees it, from every country and culture. But when you are able to reach a heart, enhance a life, and inspire, that is the best ability of all."

Student, Lake Zurich

	This website is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
	P.O. Box 365, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 Telephone 847-540-1919 FAX 847-540-8457 General Information: ElaArts@aol.com Copyright © 2003 Cultural Arts Connection. All rights reserved