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Giving

Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

The Case for Support

Innovation and creative expression are hallmarks of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. Guiding developing artists and designers, performers, scholars, therapists, media specialists, and teachers is embedded in the College's values and mission. In addition to artistic expression, graduates impact culture and quality of life in careers based on technical expertise and through corporate partnerships.

Students expand and share their inherent abilities with a liberal arts education emphasizing vision and critical thinking. Awareness sparks action as students apply their talent in opportunities that reach people at every life stage. The arts empower students to problem-solve, enrich communities, and engage as active citizens.

A Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts education goes beyond mastering vocal, instrumental, dance, or visual art and design skills. Music therapy graduates bring healing to those with physical and mental health challenges, as well as engage senior citizens. In contrast, arts technology alumni use digital equipment and tools to design interactive media and Web animation.

Regardless of the path pursued, all students rely on well-equipped spaces to reach their potential. Faculty committed to individualized instruction work on stages, in studios, and in high-tech labs that require continual investment to support relevant programs. From aging facilities to student recruitment, the College faces many financial challenges.

Through Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State, we seek to raise funds to ensure that our students and faculty continue to enjoy an excellent ne arts education. Only with your support can the College continue to excel in educating those who use their creative abilities as a tool to ignite passion and action.

Redbirds Rising Campaign
Give Now

Campaign Goal:
$12.5 million

Our Impact

With 1,200 students, the College offers programs in schools of theatre and dance, art and design, and music. The arts technology program is one of the fastest growing programs at ISU. The College boasts world-class University Galleries exhibitions and the nationally acclaimed Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The 300-member Big Red Marching Machine and The String Project are two of the highly successful student groups led by College faculty.

Campaign Funding Priorities

Redbirds Rising will enable the University to achieve three critical outcomes: supporting student and faculty scholarship, educating globally aware and socially engaged leaders, and sparking continuous creativity and innovation. To advance these priorities, we offer multiple ways to support the College within our key funding categories:

Expanding student opportunity

Privately funded recruitment and retention scholarships attract students who are academically gifted and possess superior talent. The pool is limited and competition is intense. Enrollment is often contingent upon scholarships, as students pursue options nationally. Students often need financial support to participate in opportunities beyond campus including the Washington, D.C., Internship Program; summer arts residencies; competitions; and international travel programs.

Attracting and developing top faculty

Providing an individualized education that allows students to partner with faculty is an unwavering College commitment. This requires faculty with strengths not only in teaching, but as working artists, designers, and performers. Funds are needed to attract new faculty to campus, retain stellar faculty, and welcome scholars-in-residence.

Replenishing teaching tools

Fine arts is an expensive educational endeavor, yet it is an important community investment. Instruments and their repairs are costly. Sewing machines and costumes, production costs, computers, digital equipment, hand tools, and exhibition supplies are continually utilized and must be replenished regularly throughout the school year. Meeting these needs is essential, as each item is fundamental to e ectively teaching courses, producing performances and exhibitions, and providing community education.

Empowering through world-class programs

Our graduates gain a competitive advantage through research, special programs, and fine arts opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. University Galleries is one of the premier exhibition spaces in the Midwest. The nationally acclaimed Illinois Shakespeare Festival showcases theatrical artistry through bold interpretations of classic texts. The 300-member Big Red Marching Machine and The String Project are two highly successful groups that showcase Illinois State University students and the pre K-12 music programs in our community. These initiatives set the College apart and amplify its reputation for excellence and leadership.

Sustaining excellence

The College must be able to respond quickly when opportunities arise that can benefit our students and faculty, while enhancing our reputation as a leader for positive change. Generous, ongoing support for the College's annual fund and other unrestricted resources provide the flexibility needed to turn rapid change to our advantage.

We live in a dynamic and demanding world. Graduates of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts bring vision and expert skills to inspire innovation and address societal challenges. You can help advance their vital work, which reflects the University's core values. Graduates are prepared to encourage practical solutions, bring healing, and initiate conversation about issues of importance to individuals and society as a whole. Join us in The Campaign for Illinois State and support the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts.

Contact Us

The priorities described here represent only a small sampling of funding opportunities in every department and program within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. For more information about how you can support the College’s campaign priorities, contact: