Suburban agencies receive grants to expand arts access

The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, the Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg and Wheaton's Alma Dance Theater are among 17 northern Illinois arts organizations to receive grants of up to $10,000 from the League of Chicago Theatres and ComEd.

The grants will help fund programs that "expand access to arts and cultural offerings for underserved audiences," according to a statement issued Thursday by the League of Chicago Theatres.

Metropolis will receive a grant to help fund a program that assists children with disabilities in making theater. Alma Dance Theater will also receive a grant to provide training for children with disabilities. A grant to the Trickster Gallery will help fund activities during November's Native Heritage Month.

Northbrook's Special Gifts Theatre will use the funds to support musical theater for children with intellectual disabilities. Evanston's Piven Theatre will use its grant for theater workshops and performances for female inmates of Cook County jail.