Ingenuity Announces Renewal of Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, Expanding Access to Arts Education for Chicago Public Schools Students
Ingenuity is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with Lollapalooza through the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, continuing a shared commitment to expanding access to arts education for Chicago Public Schools students. This new three-year commitment builds on a $2.2 million investment launched in 2021 and includes a renewed $1.1 million investment to expand access to high-quality arts education for students across Chicago Public Schools.
As part of Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund, the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund (LAEF) provides direct support to CPS schools to strengthen in-school arts programming across disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater.
Since its launch in 2021, LAEF has:
- Awarded 234 grants
- Supported 117 schools across 43 Chicago wards
- Reached more than 82,000 students
Discover the impact behind the investment
This renewed investment marks an important step in ensuring students across Chicago have access to consistent, high-quality arts learning opportunities as part of a well-rounded education.
“Partnerships like this are essential to advancing equitable access to arts education across Chicago,” said Nicole Upton, Executive Director of Ingenuity. “Lollapalooza’s continued investment allows us to deepen support for schools, strengthen programs that are already making an impact, and ensure that more students have meaningful opportunities to learn, create, and express themselves through the arts.”
Ingenuity works closely with CPS to identify needs, distribute funding, and support the implementation of arts programs that reflect each school community. Funding supports a range of priorities, including arts partner residencies, arts supplies, curriculum development, and improvements to creative learning spaces.
The renewal of LAEF comes at a critical moment, as schools continue to navigate evolving resource needs while working to sustain and grow arts programming. By investing in both the quality and consistency of arts instruction, the partnership helps ensure arts education remains a core part of the student experience.
“Lollapalooza’s support has been absolutely critical in expanding access to high-quality arts education in Chicago schools that need it most,” Upton added. “This renewed commitment ensures that resources continue to reach classrooms across the city, supporting educators and opening doors for thousands of young people.”
The announcement aligns with a broader investment from Lollapalooza to support arts education across Chicago, including new funding for districtwide performing arts opportunities. This combined investment reflects a comprehensive approach to arts access, strengthening both in-school learning and out-of-school artistic development.
Ingenuity remains committed to ensuring that every student in every CPS school has access to the arts as part of a well-rounded education. Through strategic partnerships, data-driven planning, and direct investment in schools, the organization continues to build a more equitable and sustainable arts education landscape across Chicago.
