Events

Discover events that drive equity and excellence in arts education for all CPS students.

  • Sep 4

    Creative Schools Fund Info Session 2

    • September 4, 2025

    • Virtual

    Whether you’re an Arts Liaison with a passion for arts education, a school leader looking to expand arts opportunities in your school, or an arts partner organization seeking new collaborations with schools -- this virtual session on the 2025-2026 Creative Schools Fund fall application cycle is for you! Participants will learn about the goals of the Fund, how to apply, and tips for navigating the application process.

    REGISTER
  • Sep 8

    Creative Schools Fund Info Session 3

    • September 8, 2025

    • Virtual

    Whether you’re an Arts Liaison with a passion for arts education, a school leader looking to expand arts opportunities in your school, or an arts partner organization seeking new collaborations with schools -- this virtual session on the 2025-2026 Creative Schools Fund fall application cycle is for you! Participants will learn about the goals of the Fund, how to apply, and tips for navigating the application process.

    REGISTER
  • Sep 17

    Fall Summit

    • September 17, 2025

    • Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612

    Join Ingenuity for our annual Fall Summit, where new and returning arts partner organizations and school representatives come together for an evening of connection-making! The Fall Summit serves as a pivotal moment for arts partners organizations and CPS teachers and administrators to build connections, identify arts needs and interests within their schools, and explore programmatic possibilities.  We’re thrilled to uphold our commitment to supporting arts education partnerships, ensuring that every student has access to a comprehensive and quality arts education. Dinner and drinks will be provided, making it a truly enjoyable and enriching experience for all attendees. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to network, collaborate, and elevate arts education in our schools!

    REGISTER
  • Nov 4

    Learning Institute # 1

    • November 4, 2025

    • Arts + Public Life, 301 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637

    REGISTER

 


Tapestry: Weaving Equity for Arts Education

On May 14, 2025, Ingenuity raised an incredible $480,000 to expand access to arts education across Chicago! With nearly 250 attendees in the room at Four Seasons Chicago, we celebrated bold leadership, joyful creativity, and a future where every CPS student can thrive through the arts.

We were proud to recognize:

  • 🎓 The Chicago Public Education Fund
  • 🎸 Guitars Over Guns
  • 🏫 Lara Academy
  • 🎖️ CPS CEO Pedro Martinez & Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova

A Surprise to Remember

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night? Our partners C3 Presents, Lollapalooza, On Stage Services Inc., and ATX Backline surprised the Guitars Over Guns Ensemble Band with brand-new instruments—including Fender Stratocaster guitars, a Fender Performer Bass, a wireless mic package, and a full set of electronic drums. What first looked like stage props became a dream come true for these CPS students. This is what happens when we treat the arts as essential. When we believe in young people. When we imagine boldly—together.

📸 View Photos from the 2025 Event

Watch the Highlights

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting


Visionary

Brent and Katie Gledhill


Investor

  • Karen and Jim Frank
  • Savi Pai and Howard Randell and Capital Group Private Client Services
  • Zell Family Foundation

Leader

  • Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation
  • Gail and Tom Hodges
  • Elaine and Richard Tinberg
  • Marilyn and David Vitale

Partner

  • Karim Ahamed
  • Rita and John Canning
  • C3 Presents Lollapalooza
  • Kimberly Dowdell and HOK
  • Anne and Vincent Kelly
  • Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.
  • Sa Zhao Louvot and Remi Louvot
  • Samuel M. and Ann S. Mencoff Foundation
  • Margot & Thomas Pritzker Family Foundation
  • Alicia F. and David D. Schafer Charitable Fund
  • Abe and Desirée Moore and Venable
  • Wilson Garling Foundation

Collaborator

  • Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
  • Francia E. Harrington and Vern Broders
  • Caroline & Charlie Huebner
  • LaunchPad Lab
  • Peter Ousley
  • Robert R. McCormick Foundation
  • Nicole and Edward Upton
  • Susan and Bob Wislow

When we invest in the arts, we invest in the future.