Lollapalooza Announces $1.7 Million Grant for CPS Arts Education Programs (Chicago, IL) – Lollapalooza is expanding its investment in Chicago Public Schools arts education with a new $1.7 million commitment through 2031 aimed at increasing access to music, theater, dance, and visual arts opportunities for students across the city.
The funding, announced alongside CPS officials and community partners, is one of the largest arts-related gifts the district has received and raises the festival’s total support for CPS arts initiatives to $3.9 million since 2021.
The donation will support two major programs: a new $634,000 investment in the district’s All-City Performing Arts initiative and a renewed $1.1 million commitment to the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund.
The All-City Performing Arts program, founded in 1963, serves CPS students in grades 3 through 12 with after-school music, dance, and theater ensembles. Students rehearse weekly under the guidance of CPS arts educators and perform with peers from schools across Chicago.
Under the new partnership, the program will be rebranded as Lollapalooza Presents: All-City Performing Arts beginning in fall 2026.
Funding for the initiative includes a $134,000 Instrument Lending Library designed to provide students with greater access to instruments and practice equipment, along with $500,000 dedicated to rehearsal spaces, transportation, supplies, and performances.
CPS CEO and Superintendent Dr. Macquline King said the investment will help ensure equitable access to arts opportunities regardless of neighborhood.
“All-City Performing Arts allows our students to take their talents to the next level, and Lollapalooza’s support allows CPS to maintain and expand our reach, ensuring that a student’s zip code does not define their access to high-quality artistic training and performance opportunities,” King said.
The renewed Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, administered by arts education nonprofit Ingenuity, will continue providing grants to schools for in-class arts instruction, teaching artists, and creative space improvements.
Originally launched in 2021 with a $2.2 million donation, the program has already awarded 234 grants to 117 schools across 43 Chicago wards, reaching more than 80,000 students.
Ingenuity Executive Director Nicole Upton called the festival’s support “critical” in helping schools expand arts programming.
“By renewing this commitment, Lollapalooza is ensuring that essential resources continue to reach classrooms across the city, strengthening programs, supporting educators, and creating meaningful opportunities for thousands of young people,” Upton said.
Festival promoter and C3 Presents Partner Charlie Walker said the initiative reflects Lollapalooza’s long-term commitment to Chicago youth and arts access.
“Every young person deserves the chance to explore and develop their creative potential,” Walker said. “With this contribution, our goal is to create real impact in the classroom and provide students new opportunities outside of school to learn, perform, and share their talents.”
According to CPS and its community partners, the combined investments are expected to benefit more than 40,000 students at over 150 CPS schools across more than 40 Chicago wards during the next five years.
Lollapalooza Announces $1.7 Million Grant for CPS Arts Education Programs
