ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The state of art in the Rockford-area is “healthy,” according to one of its leaders.
“It’s [an] enthusiastic, passionate, committed group of people and organizations. We are feeling very good,” describes Mary McNamara Bernsten – executive director of the Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC).
On Tuesday, leaders from art and culture organizations across the stateline assemble inside the GoRockford office. Topics include upcoming events, strategies for success and navigating uncertainty amidst a potential federal funding pause.
“These in-person meetings allow people and organizations to say, ‘You know what, we’re doing something like that. We could connect,‘” asserts McNamara Bernsten.
Tuesday marks the “cultural partners” first in-person meeting – a departure from Zoom. For the executive director, it arrives at a crucial point – the community shares success despite a possible crash in funding.
The Trump administration states the pause would affect diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. A release from RAAC reports roughly $104,500 in services or regranting funds could be threatened by a pause and cuts.
“Those are not arguable points,” McNamara Bernsten comments of DEI. “For those in the arts, that is foundational to being involved in the arts, and it’s actually foundational to being a human. So, the Arts Council is full board going ahead.”
An executive order from President Donald Trump claims DEI violates civil rights and discriminates individuals; McNamara Bernsten disagrees.
“It has only strengthened us, so I don’t see that limiting those funds is going to do anything but hurt us,” she contends.
The council’s executive director spots another sign of strength for the community’s art scene: The Scrap Jar.
“I can save craft supplies from being wasted or thrown away and find a way for those scraps to find a home,” says Angela Martinez, the owner of the incoming store in downtown Rockford.
Martinez joins the meeting as a newbie to the “cultural partners.”
“To have another store that is arts-related creates a critical mass then, and you have things happening all the time,” mentions McNamara Bernsten.
The Scrap Jar owner calls herself a lifelong Rockford resident – a graduate of Keith Country Day School and Rockford University.
Raised through the local arts, Martinez envisions her creative reuse center as a third place.
“I’ve had so many people reach out like, ‘Oh I have a ton of supplies,’ or, ‘I’m really into different hobbies, and I’m always looking for, like, a shop to go to,‘” recalls Martinez. “It feels like there’s a big demand and a thriving arts community in town.”
The Scrap Jar will accept items like paper, glue, jewelry, googly eyes and more. The store’s downtown opening, says Martinez, is a testament to the area’s acceptance of art.
“On a personal level, I always wanted a space to, like, hang out and be creative… I can help Rockford grow and kind of add to that community down here,” asserts Martinez.
Scrap’s owner hopes for a “soft opening” near the end of March. A grand opening is intended for Rockford’s Spring Artscene: April 25 and 26.
McNamara Bernsten expects Rockford’s burgeoning culture to survive federal uncertainty – especially if the community bands together.
“If we can keep our organizations looking for different funding opportunities, collaborating with each other, we’re going to be in great shape,” she declares.
One project McNamara Bernsten notes is on hold is the Armory restoration. RAAC awaits the status of federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocations.
Without federal funding, the Armory returns to City of Rockford ownership. The Armory’s proposed restoration would include artist space, civic engagement and community events.
An RAAC timeline expects a decision for the EPA grant in May.
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