In 2010, artists, arts administrators, and art funders across the nation will flock to Chicago to attend conferences held by three Joyce grantees.

In June, the Theater Communications Group (TCG), a national service organization for American theater companies, held its national conference in the city. Sessions held over the three days focused on artistry, arts education, and the treatment of race and gender in the arts.

Nearly 900 theater professionals from across the country and around the world heard from national arts leaders who can help turn strategic, collaborative thinking into positive action for the community. In addition, the conference highlighted performances, cultural events, and other site-specific activities within Chicago’s rich theater community.

On the opening night of the conference, Joyce received TCG's Regional Funder Award in recognition of the Foundation's ongoing work to support theater in Chicago and throughout the Midwest through its Joyce Awards program. Joyce was also cited for its support of TCG's Young Leaders of Color program, which provides scholarships for theater workers of color to attend the conference.

In August, the Association of American Cultures—an arts organization that works to support and preserve culturally-specific identities through the arts—will convene a national audience of diverse artists and arts administrators. Their conference, which is themed, Building a 21st Century Cultural Democracy Agenda, will focus on the progress of equity and diversity issues in the arts during the last two decades.

More than 350 arts leaders are expected to attend in an effort to help build stronger connections among communities of color, discuss policy and economic changes that impact the work of culturally-specific arts groups, and celebrate the diversity of Chicago’s arts and culture community.

And in October, Grantmakers in the Arts, a national association of private and public arts funders—will hold its conference Navigating the Art of Change 2.0 to examine the evolving state of arts philanthropy and how arts funders can respond in the changing environment. The three-day conference will focus on social equity in the arts, the rise of technology, globalization, and the blurring lines between professional and amateur arts participation.

The annual meeting will draw more than 300 private and public arts funders to network, share knowledge and ideas, develop collective strategies, and learn about the latest initiatives in the field of arts grantmaking.