ARTISTS REENVISIONING TOMORROW
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Mission Statement
To inspire and empower the community through arts, education, and culture .
About This Cause
Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc. (ART Inc) was co-founded by Jonathon (Director of Development) and Nikki (Executive Director) Romain on December 12, 2017. The Romains were both saved by the arts and between the two of them they have a rich history within the world of art spanning several decades crossing over multiple disciplines. ART Inc. purchased the former 50,000 sq. ft. Greeley School building (cash-debt free) in July 2018. Approximately one year later in June of 2019, ART Inc. opened its doors. ART Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to inspire and empower the community through arts, education, and culture. We do this by enhancing the quality of life for the community, especially youth, through programming regardless of their ability to pay. We provide arts education to youth through in-school and after-school programming, as well as summer camps. The three tiers of ART Inc’s vision is as follows: All are welcome Resolve to be a socially, environmentally, and fiscally sound organization Think of ART Inc when speaking of the arts in Central Illinois Staying connected through collaboration and creative placemaking. ART Inc sits on the same lot as the first school ever built in the city of Peoria in the late 1800s. Schools inherently serve the purpose of enhancing the quality of one’s life and community; we are honored to be able to continue the rich history and tradition of education in this space. Even before opening our doors, ART, Inc. provided employment for at least 25 different teaching artists and served approximately 155 students through their partnership with Peoria Public Schools. ART, Inc also developed a partnership with the Illinois State University Center for Mathematics, Science & Technology. They have trained several of our teaching artists on some of the nearly 2,000 STEAM projects and the SMART Grid for schools that they have donated. We also partnered with the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program in creating the Lettuce Share Romain Community Garden. Other partnerships include: Junior Achievement, Big Picture Peoria, The Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum, The Dream Center, PAME, IL Math Academy, Quest Charter Academy, Peoria Grown, Family Core, Spanish Circle, Peoria Park District, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, PAME, and Neighborhood House. The ART Inc staff has 11 Board of Directors of noted professionals throughout Peoria, Bloomington and Chicago that oversees them, and all are immersed within the community. The BOD meets quarterly, and committees meet monthly and actively participate in fundraising efforts including special events, corporate and individual donations, as well as in-kind contributions. Each of our 11 board members give of their time, talent, and treasure. “Everyone is healthier and happier when they can express themselves! Art, music and the performing arts should be opportunities available to our whole community. They help tell our stories in ways that go far beyond words. I’m inspired by the vision of ART Inc. to bring these opportunities to everyone, and I’m proud and grateful to be able to participate as a board member.” -Dr. Keith Knepp, Regional President and CEO of UnityPoint Health (ART Inc Board Member) "I joined ART Inc because I feel a responsibility to give back to underserved communities as I grew up in one on the Southside of Chicago and I have a connection to Peoria as I attended Bradley University and lived there for 2 years post-graduation. In addition, I also see the potential impact that can build and grow over time. I want to make sure I do what I can to help build the foundation.” -Les Willis, Vice President Operations (ART Inc Board President) ART Inc is the only organization in the Peoria area offering arts, education, and cultural programs to low-to-moderate income children & youth, regardless of their ability to pay. Throughout the course of the past 3 school years, we have employed 80 teaching artists and served well over 500 students. Our first summer camp was in 2019, and provided approximately 45 students, ages 11-14, with the opportunity to learn about coding, filmmaking, drama, dance, STEAM activities and visual Arts. 82% of those students could not afford tuition and were given financial need scholarships, which were made available through generous individual donations. We are committed to having a sustained impact in the lives of children, specifically during the crucial hours after school and summers.