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DuPage Foundation Celebrates Launch of New Arts DuPage Online Resource

DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois—The DuPage Foundation’s newest initiative, Arts DuPage, stepped into the spotlight and unveiled its first public offering, ArtsDuPage.org, a new online resource for our community. More than 160 arts enthusiasts attended the launch party on Tuesday, February 7, at the College of DuPage’s McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn. BMO Harris Bank generously sponsored the event.

“ArtsDuPage.org offers the arts and culture sector a significant promotional tool to engage and connect with local artists, organizations, patrons and venues throughout DuPage County,” said Barbara Szczepaniak, Foundation vice president for programs. “The site currently offers information on more than 100 events, 75 organization and venue profiles, and a growing number of profiles highlighting DuPage’s individual artists and creatives.”

“The seeds for Arts DuPage began to flourish in response to our growing awareness that private funding for arts organizations in DuPage County has dwindled,” said Dave McGowan, Foundation president & CEO. “DuPage has a vibrant and thriving arts sector, and we want people to know about all of the wonderful local opportunities. In 2014, our DuPage All for Arts Study discovered that 1.5 million individuals engaged in the arts; 6,000 individuals donated to arts and culture organizations; and 2,700 volunteers supported arts and culture in DuPage County.”

Arts DuPage is a new county-wide arts council consisting of 22 individuals who are focused on promoting creativity and nurturing engagement and investment in the arts throughout DuPage. “Thanks to a generous commitment from an anonymous donor, all expenses for the first three years of this exciting initiative are being underwritten,” said Denice Gierach, Foundation Board of Trustees chair. “By providing the public with comprehensive information about what to do and where to go for unique cultural experiences, the Foundation hopes to inspire greater participation in the arts and creativity throughout DuPage County.

About the DuPage Foundation
The DuPage Foundation seeks to raise the quality of life throughout DuPage County by fostering philanthropy, connecting donors to area needs and building community partnerships. Based on the American virtues of volunteerism and philanthropy, the Foundation fosters a legacy of support for the people of DuPage County by making grants to not-for-profit organizations working in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, the Environment, Health, and Human Services. Since its inception, the Foundation has built its endowment to more than $65 million and awarded nearly $30 million in grants to not-for-profit agencies serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond.

Established in 1986, the DuPage Foundation is a publicly-supported 501(c)(3) organization to which contributions are tax deductible. It was created to benefit the people of DuPage County and receives contributions and bequests into a permanent endowment from individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations wishing to make lasting contributions to the people of DuPage. The earnings on these funds are then used, in accordance with donor wishes, for the Foundation’s grantmaking and community leadership activities.

For more information about the Foundation, or to arrange future media opportunities, please contact William Pearch, marketing manager, at 630.598.5290, or bill@dupagefoundation.org.

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