For decades, Lake County has been recognized for its thriving business corridor, beautiful forest preserves, and sought-after suburban communities. Yet, beneath the surface of commerce and nature lies a vibrant, rich and sometimes fragmented arts and cultural scene that is finally being brought into the spotlight by a new, powerful alliance: Artslink North.
An alliance of not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations, Artslink North has stepped forward to celebrate, connect and elevate the region’s cultural landscape. Its mission is ambitious: to serve as the primary source of information for arts events and experiences across Lake County and surrounding areas, acting as the centralized hub the region has long needed.
Lake County is home to an incredible concentration of talented artists, dynamic artistic institutions and world-class cultural offerings. These span from globally recognized venues to intimate, local galleries and community theaters. The challenge for the public, however, has been navigating this expansive and diverse ecosystem. The inception of Artslink North is poised to solve that problem, heralding a new era of accessibility for patrons, performers and community members.
Shining a Spotlight on The Arts
Before Artslink North, discovering a weekend’s cultural itinerary often meant clicking through dozens of individual organization websites. A resident interested in both a classic concert and a contemporary art class might have spent hours compiling the details.
The centerpiece of the new alliance is a comprehensive, user-friendly digital platform. This centralized calendar system provides effortless access to vital information—event details, locations, timings and ticket prices—for the entire membership. Whether it is a world-premiere opera or a local historical society lecture, the essence of Lake County’s cultural scene is now just a click away.
Arts as an Economic Engine
Artslink North’s advocacy goes far beyond ticket sales. A core tenet of its mission is to communicate, promote and demonstrate the often-understated economic benefits of the arts. By centralizing information and marketing, Artslink North aims to drive more attendance, both from the county’s own population base and from visitors outside the region. It serves as a vehicle for resource-sharing and collaboration among non-profit arts organizations to collectively increase their economic viability.
The formation of Artslink North is proof of the collaborative spirit thriving within the Lake County arts community. The alliance’s strength lies in the diverse and distinguished roster of its founding members, which brings together world-renowned names and essential community pillars.
The list includes the Ravinia Festival, one of the oldest and most artistically ambitious music festivals in North America; the Citadel Theatre, a highly regarded professional theater company; the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, which anchors the region’s historical and cultural preservation; and the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, a major driver in arts education.
This alliance—including venues like the CLC James Lumber Center and the Gorton Community Center, and partners like Visit Lake County and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce—demonstrates a unified commitment to the entire cultural spectrum, from performing and visual arts to film and history.
The alliance has set forth a bold vision: to create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable artistic community that enhances the cultural fabric of the area. This involves more than just a calendar.
The mission explicitly includes advocating for the arts at all levels of government for funding and support. In an era where arts funding is often precarious, a unified, powerful voice representing a broad coalition of organizations is critical for securing grants, sponsorships and public support.
Furthermore, Artslink North is dedicated to fostering artistic expression and cultural enrichment in Northern communities by providing access to resources, educational programs and collaborative opportunities for artists of all disciplines. This focus on inclusivity recognizes that the transformative power of the arts must reach all corners of the county, supporting emerging artists and diverse voices.
As the organization moves forward under the leadership of its board, it is poised to dramatically redefine the cultural experience in Lake County.
For residents, for visitors, for students and for artists, the message is clear: the curtain is rising on a new, fully connected cultural landscape. Artslink North has officially made Lake County’s arts scene impossible to ignore. It is time for the public to visit the new digital hub, engage with the rich offerings and experience the transformative power of the arts in their community. The call to action is simple: Activate and encourage participation. Get connected by clicking here to learn more.