Project Overview

Produced for the Illinois Arts Council’s 60th Anniversary, One State in the Arts and Humanities opened the statewide conference and commemorated six decades of public investment in creativity. The video weaves institutional storytelling with personal gratitude, culminating in a tribute to longtime IAC leader Shirley Madigan.

My Role

Director, Editor, Motion Graphics Designer, and Script Adapter.

Collaborating with IAC leadership, I shaped the structure and emotional pacing of the piece, integrating archival imagery, voiceover, and new b-roll to balance institutional history with human warmth.

Approach

The film’s tone was reflective yet forward-looking. It celebrates a 60-year legacy while underscoring current relevance — modernized grant systems, equitable outreach, and expanded statewide reach.

Challenges & Solutions

The central challenge was balancing a dual identity: a governmental agency and a creative force. The visual strategy combined archival photos and understated motion graphics, creating a tone that is both official and intimate.

Impact

The video premiered at One State 2025 and became the emotional centerpiece of the Illinois Arts Council’s anniversary communications. It continues to serve as a defining narrative for how the IAC connects art, equity, and public service across Illinois.