CHICAGO--The Illinois legislature has approved a 1999 state budget that includes an all-time high subsidy of $17.45 million for the Illinois Arts Council, the funding organization that benefits performing arts statewide. That represents an absolute increase of $3.5 million to the IAC's grant programs--a 50% increase over last year's grant-making. Among other recipients, About Face Theatre, a new gay-themed company on Chicago's North Side, received $25,000. -- By Lawrence Bommer
Chicago Correspondent