40 North / 88 West
Objective:
With a mission of cultivating creativity in Champaign County, 40 North | 88 West: Champaign County Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council (also known as “40 North”) is dedicated to fueling the growth and well-being of its community by nurturing its arts, culture, and entertainment. 40 North began as a true community effort; local residents saw a need for an umbrella organization to represent and support the arts that thrive in Champaign County.
Strategies:
40 North accomplishes its goals through three principal means: advocacy, information and collaboration. 40 North serves as:
- An advocate for the arts community in Champaign County by promoting awareness and actively lobbying for public and private-sector support
- A repository and distribution center for information pertaining to the arts community in Champaign County
- A conduit for collaboration, not only among members of the arts community, but among businesses, government and the public at large
Tactics:
Launched in 2006, one of 40 North’s most successful initiatives is the ongoing Art Lives Here campaign, designed to heighten awareness of the variety and excellence of arts, culture and entertainment available throughout Champaign County. Through print, billboards and radio ads, the campaign positions 40 North as a clearinghouse for information on local arts, culture and entertainment, while also drawing attention to the diversity of art thriving throughout Champaign County.
40 North established the annual ACE Awards (for Arts, Culture and Entertainment) to celebrate and recognize outstanding contributions to the cultural life of Champaign County. Nominees for the ACE Awards include a range of individuals who actively support the county’s arts and culture. Nominations are made by residents of Champaign County, and the awards are given out during National Arts & Humanities Month.
Results:
40 North has seen dramatic increases in its budget, membership, number of workshops and number of artists served in its five years of operation. 40 North received both the Best of Show award and the Best Advertising and/or Public Relations Campaigns award (Division A) for its ongoing Art Lives Here print campaign.
In its five years of operation, 40 North has seen dramatic increases in its budget, membership, number of workshops and number of artists served. Heather Tucker, past president of the board of directors for 40 North, noted, “The quality and quantity of arts and entertainment available in Champaign County is impressive. When we share these riches with others outside our county, we’re rewarded with increased tourism and the benefits of added financial support for the art that lives here."