Illinois Arts Council

01/23/2026 | Press release | Archived content

2026.01.23 The Muse

Issue 78 / January 23, 2026

In this issue:

Galena LitFest: The Work of Poetry with IL Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte

Future Climate Souvenirs Presents: A Future Chicago Eco-Tour

• CDB/AIA is now Accepting Requests for Qualifications

• Fiber and Craft Festival comes to Rosemont

• Featured Illinois Arts Organization

• Additional Opportunities

Galena LitFest: The Work of Poetry with Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte

Galena LitFest returns this January with a month-long celebration of literary arts. The fest concludes with an engaging evening of poetry and conversation with Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotteon January 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. In collaboration with the Galena Public Libraryand the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, the event will be held at the Mąą Pįį Preserve and Center's historic Hess House at 1221 N Ferry Landing Rd in Galena, IL. This free, hybrid event allows participants to choose between attending in person or virtually via Zoom

Named in July 2025 as the 6th Illinois Poet Laureate, Mark Turcotte is the author of several books, including The Feathered Heart and Exploding Chippewas. His work has appeared in many national and international literary journals and anthologies, including the new and first-ever Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry. His poem, "Dear New Blood," was recently featured on the poetry podcast, Poetry Unbound. He lives in Chicago and, since 2009, has been Senior Lecturer and Distinguished-Writer-In-Residence in the English Dept. at DePaul University.

Learn More

Photo by Pablo Gerson

The Chicago Architecture Biennial is hosting an event titled "Future Climate Souvenirs Presents: A Future Chicago Eco-Tour," designed by Parsons & Charlesworth. Attendees will explore imagined future ecotourist sites in Chicago that respond to climate predictions. The tour includes locations such as the Marina City Urban Forest, Millennium Marsh Aquatic Reserve, the Storm-Surge Observatory at Promontory Point, and the Invasivores Cafe at Navy Pier. The event features a kiosk installation selling souvenirs from these fictional sites.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at 840 N. Michigan Ave in Chicago. It is free to attend, but reservations are required.

Learn More
[Link]
Learn More
Learn More

Featured Illinois Arts Organization

Egyptian Theatre, FY26 General Operating Support Recipient

Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble, pictured.

The Egyptian Theatrein DeKalb, Illinois, is a testament to both the cultural and architectural heritage of the state. Owned and operated by Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc., since 1978, this historic theatre first opened its doors in 1929. Its mission is to preserve its historical integrity while serving as a regional arts center that fosters community involvement. The Egyptian Theatre's vision is to be a cherished gathering place that enriches the local community culturally and economically. Recognized for its architectural significance, the theater was named a Top 20 Illinois Architectural Treasure in 2018 and has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Award for "Best Nonprofits to Work For" by The NonProfit Times.

On Saturday, February 7th, at 7 PM, the Egyptian Theatre will host its 9th Annual Jazz Night, a celebration of local talent and community spirit. This event will feature performances by Jazz in Progress, DeKalb High School Jazz Ensemble, Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble, and the famed Northern Illinois University Jazz Orchestra. The evening promises a vibrant display of musical artistry, with proceeds benefiting the music programs at the participating high schools and Northern Illinois University. It's a cherished tradition that underscores the theater's commitment to supporting local education and the arts.

Jeanine Holcomb, the Marketing & Communications Director for the Egyptian Theatre, highlights the impact of community support, stating, "Support from the Illinois Arts Council plays a vital role in our ability to offer diverse programming and give back to our community. Because of this partnership, the Egyptian Theatre can continue serving as both a historic venue and a community resource for arts, education, and connection."

Learn More

Other Opportunities You May Have Missed

Arts Midwest - Shakespeare in American Communities - Intent to Apply Due January 29

Moraine Valley Community College/The Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery Seeking Exhibitions for the 2026-2027 Season - Deadline: January 31

College of DuPage - College and Community Artist in Residence Program - Deadline: January 31

Luminarts - Fellowships in Visual Ats, Creative Writing, Classical Music, and Jazz Improvisation - Deadline: February 1

North Shore Art League's 14th Annual Art in the Village Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair on June 13 & 14, 2026 - Call for Entries Deadline: February 6

Mandel Cultural Leadership Program - Fellowships Rooted in Jewish History and Culture Supporting Artists Advancing Action on a Range of Social Issues - Deadline: February 13

Shadowbox Gallery - Waukegan - Exhibition/Pareidolia - Recognizing What We Wish to See - Deadline: February 20

NEA - Celebrating the Nation's 250th Birthday with Music from U.S. Military Bands - Deadline: February 23

Mid Atlantic Arts/USArtists International - Supporting In-Person Performances by Performing Artists and Ensembles - Deadline: February 25

Kohler Arts Center's Renowned Arts/Industry Program is Accepting Applications for 12 Residency Openings in 2027 - Deadline: February 28

Poetry Foundation - Fellowship Applications Now Open - Apply by March 2

Liturgical Arts Festival/Springfield Art Association - Sacred Rhythm/Sacred Pattern Exhibition - Deadline: March 18

Illinois Dept of Human Services - Are You Really Winning? - Public Art Competition for Illinois Residents Ages 14+ Supporting Problem Gambling Awareness - Deadline: March 31st

Lubeznik Arts Festival/Michigan City Call for Artist Entries - Applications Now Available - Deadline: April 2

Mid America Arts Alliance - Artist INC Express Workshop - Quincy - on April 25-26, 2026 - Register by April 23

Illinois Humanities is now Accepting Submissions for its 10th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards - Deadline: May 1

The Muse, the Illinois Arts Council Newsletter, is published weekly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the IAC is strictly prohibited. The Muse is distributed free of charge.

Do you have an arts story you think Illinois needs to hear about? We want to hear from you! Submissions should focus on artist/organizational opportunities or on the impact of the arts on communities, the people creating art, or those experiencing art. Share your story with our Director of Communications at [email protected]. The IAC reserves the right to edit or reject any material.

This week's Muse banner features Jarius "ManofGod" King, a 2025 Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist, captured by Ki Chan Yui. The photo, from 2017, shows Jarius in Prague after international success with his crew, "Rhythm Attack".

arts.illinois.gov

Illinois Arts Council published this content on January 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 25, 2026 at 18:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]