Arts Alliance Illinois has launched a new statewide and Chicago-focused Creative Economy Study, with findings expected in June 2026.
CHICAGO, IL — Arts Alliance Illinois today announced the launch of a research initiative examining the economic power, infrastructure, and future potential of the Illinois creative economy: an economic driver that generates tens of billions in annual activity statewide and plays a critical role in community vitality across the state.
Scheduled for release in June 2026, the study will provide one of the most comprehensive and current analyses of the Illinois and Chicago creative sector to date by measuring economic impact while mapping the cultural assets that support jobs, business growth, and long-term competitiveness.
The research is supported by a cross-sector coalition of public agencies, philanthropic leaders, and economic development partners. Together, the effort reflects growing recognition that the creative economy is not only a cultural driver, but a critical component of a modern economic strategy at the local and state levels.
“For too long, the creative economy has been discussed mainly in cultural terms instead of as essential economic infrastructure,” said Claire Rice, Executive Director of Arts Alliance Illinois. “This study will equip leaders across Chicago and Illinois with the data needed to make informed decisions about investment, workforce development, and long-term growth. Arts Alliance is proud to convene partners across sectors to ensure the creative economy is understood and supported as a driver of prosperity in communities statewide.”
While national data underscores the scale of the creative sector, Illinois lacks updated, granular analysis capable of guiding policy decisions at the state, city, and neighborhood levels. The report aims to close that gap through a multidimensional analysis of the creative economy, examining workforce trends, economic value, cultural participation, and the impact of arts infrastructure on neighborhood vitality.
Recognizing that creative economies operate at multiple scales, the study will deliver tailored insights across Illinois while also producing a focused municipal analysis of Chicago. In coordination with the broader effort, the Chicago Loop Alliance is leveraging the research process to refresh its own analysis of the arts’ economic role in the Loop, contributing a deeper neighborhood perspective that complements the city and statewide findings.
Support for the research reflects a strong public–private partnership at the intersection of arts, economic development, and community planning, including the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Arts Council, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, World Business Chicago, and the Pritzker Foundation.
“A strong creative economy benefits communities in every corner of Illinois,” said Nora Daley, Board Chair of the Illinois Arts Council. “This research will provide us with the data needed to make smarter public investments, strengthen the creative workforce in Illinois, and ensure arts and culture continue to contribute to the state’s economic resilience.”
“Chicago’s creative sector strengthens our broader economy by driving neighborhood vibrancy, attracting tourism, and accelerating business growth,” said Kenya Merritt, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “This research will provide critical data to help leaders align cultural investment with broader economic priorities. DCASE is proud to support these efforts as we work towards a more equitable and sustainable creative community.”
To help guide the effort, Arts Alliance Illinois is convening an Illinois Creative Economy Advisory Group composed of funders, researchers, and cross-sector stakeholders who will inform the study’s methodology and ensure the findings reflect the realities of today’s creative workforce.
The economic impact report represents the first phase of a broader research agenda designed to deepen understanding of the creative sector’s role in Illinois’ future. Subsequent reports will explore the breadth of the creative economy beyond traditional economic metrics and examine the social impact of arts and culture, with additional releases anticipated in late 2026 and 2027.
“Creative industries play an important role in Illinois’ broader economic ecosystem by supporting jobs and driving innovation,” said Kristin Richards, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “This study will deliver the kind of data that will help to inform our strategies for talent recruitment and training, business investment, and long-term growth.”
“A vibrant creative economy strengthens regional competitiveness, supports workforce attraction, and signals a healthy business environment,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “This research will help Illinois build on that advantage—measuring the full economic contribution of the arts and reinforcing the arts’ role in supporting growth across the state.”
“Global cities succeed when they invest in the assets that attract talent, spark innovation, and fuel long-term economic growth,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Our new economic plan, Chicago 2050, identifies the creative economy as one of the region’s most globally recognized strengths — a distinct driver of jobs, vibrancy, and competitiveness. This study will help us understand how cultural infrastructure accelerates growth and strengthens Chicago’s position on the world stage.”
“As Chair of the Illinois House Museums, Arts, Culture & Entertainment Committee and Co-Chair of the Illinois Creative Caucus, I see every day how the creative economy fuels jobs, tourism, and neighborhood vitality across our state,” said Representative Kim Du Buclet. “The IL Creative Caucus was formed to ensure arts and culture have a strong, unified voice in public policy because investing in this sector means investing in economic resilience, workforce development, and the identity of our communities. This research will equip policymakers with the data needed to recognize the creative sector not as an amenity, but as essential infrastructure for Illinois’ long-term growth and global competitiveness.”
“Chicago’s vibrant theatre community is an important piece of the arts and culture fabric of our city,” said Gigi Pritzker Pucker, Trustee of the Pritzker Foundation. “The creative economy is critical to the vibrancy that makes Chicago a world class city. We are proud to be a part of this collaboration.”
“As states and cities compete to attract employers, retain talent, and build resilient economies, understanding the full scope of the creative sector has never been more important,” said Rice. “You cannot manage what you do not measure, and this research will give Illinois the tools to plan for a stronger economic future.”
Additional details, including a release date, will be announced in the coming months.
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About Arts Alliance Illinois
Arts Alliance Illinois builds the creative sector’s power through advocacy and connection to resources to improve the quality of life in communities statewide. We envision a just and thriving creative sector supported through public and private investments and engaged residents where artists, cultural organizations, and creative industries are celebrated as integral to the economic, civic, and social vitality of Illinois.
Contact
Nora Gregor
Director of Communications, Arts Alliance Illinois
gregor@artsalliance.org