ALPM preparing for more guests

Posted on April 8, 2021
The same appropriations panel heard from members of the Illinois Arts Council that the arts / culture / entertainment sector was the first to shut down last year – and will be the last to re-open. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Some of what we’re doing during the pandemic could be permanent in some form. An example comes from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – during its budget presentation to a Senate panel.

While the turnstile count is down more than eighty percent, “We have done a large amount of virtual programming throughout the pandemic. Last calendar year, our virtual programming reached at least 160,000 patrons, and that includes 70,000 students which we have reached directly or indirectly,” said acting executive director Melissa Coultas. “That is something we look to continue moving forward.”

Coultas, awaiting the new permanent director, Christina Shutt, asked a Senate appropriations panel for almost $14 million for the twelve months beginning July 1. That’s a slight drop from the current year.

The same appropriations panel heard from members of the Illinois Arts Council that the arts / culture / entertainment sector was the first to shut down last year – and will be the last to re-open.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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