Our mission is to support arts education opportunities for, and inspire and nurture current, future, and former students of The Chicago High School for the Arts. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of philanthropic, civic, and cultural leaders.

The Chicago High School for the Arts receives public funding from the Chicago Public School district on a per-pupil basis, which supports its academic offerings. As the School’s fundraising partner, the ChiArts Foundation invites individuals, corporations, and foundations to provide funding for the arts conservatories. Pre-professional arts training at this level would not be possible without the help of our supporters. 

As Chicago’s only tuition-free, pre-professional arts high school, ChiArts and the Foundation aim to disrupt historical biases and inequities within the arts field and the greater community. In the scope of arts programs, ChiArts is the only pre-professional arts high school that actively recruits novice-level students who may not have had access to formal arts training but exhibit a natural ability and desire to hone their skills.

The Foundation ensures the lasting legacy of the Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts conservatories. Our work also includes developing community and arts partnerships, supporting outreach and admissions through external programing, and providing professional development support and networks for alumni and current students.

ChiArts Foundation

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