The Arts Of Life, Logo | https://aol-wpe-largefs.s3.amazonaws.com/
The Arts Of Life, Logo | https://aol-wpe-largefs.s3.amazonaws.com/
This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 2000 by Veronica Cuculich, The Arts Of Life states that its mission is: “Arts of Life advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $1,746,620 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $842,899 in contributions overall. It also reported $44,050 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $778,399 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, The Arts Of Life had $862,987 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $873,963, indicating a 1.3% growth in overall holdings.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
The Arts Of Life is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Bryan Bienias | Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Cortney Lederer | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Hiren Prabhabar | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Jonathan C Troxel | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Julie Gustavson | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Matthew Andrew Michrina | Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Matthew J Pettinelli | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Klozotsky | President |
| 2024-2024 | Nancy Weisling | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Patty Klingbiel | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Rachel Rand Martell | Director |
| 2024-2024 | Sarah V Riddell | Director |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Diane Florian | Studio Coordinator | - |
| 2024 | Domenic Bucci | Music Manager | - |
| 2024 | Robert Payne | Project Manager | - |
| 2024 | Theodore M Gram-Boarini | Artist | - |
| 2024 | Vincent Uribe | Art Director | - |
| 2017 | Christea E Parent | Studio Coordinator And Administrative Assistant | - |
| 2017 | Emanuel Zoberman | Assistant Archivist | - |
| 2017 | Lee Yang | Marketing Coordinator | - |
| 2016 | Marie A Lewis | Executive Board Member | - |
| 2016 | Merrill Miller | Music Intern | - |
| 2016 | Stephanie G Dacuma | Artist Mentor | - |
| 2015 | Elizabeth Mc Manus Dworak | Intern And Artist Mentor | - |
| 2015 | Katherine Anne Snow | Volunteer | - |
| 2015 | Kelly Dawn Enderle | Community Volunteer | - |
| 2015 | Kelsey K Doolittle | Volunteer | - |
| 2015 | Lynsey E Rice | Studio Coordinator | - |
| 2015 | Rita E Hirami | Artist Mentor And Personal Care Intern | - |
| 2014 | Bryan K Cosgriff | Video Intern | - |
| 2014 | Dylan S Sperry | Marketing Intern | - |
| 2014 | Jared Fisher | Facilitator And Marketing Intern | - |
| 2014 | Katherine M Romans | Volunteer Artist Mentor | - |
| 2014 | Kelly C Becker | Fundraising Event Chair | - |
| 2014 | Samantha T Sullivan | Intern | - |
| 2014 | Thomas Robert Korabik | Artist Assistant | - |
| 2012 | Celeste E Rogers | Artist Mentor | - |
| 2012 | Daniel Frank Brendel | Artist | - |
| 2012 | Markeyta M Bowen | Artist Assistant | - |
| 2012 | Rita Carroll | Member Of The Board Of Directors | - |
| 2012 | Yasmin Khoshnood | Volunteer And Art Mentor | - |
| 2010 | Anne Catherine Comperchio | Intern | - |
| 2009 | Kristin Nicole Galioto | Gallery And Artist Representative Intern | - |
| 2003 | Sarah B Wainright | Arts Workshop Facilitator | - |
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