WHAT IF?
in 1998 two kaneland art teachers asked this question.
They dreamed a dream for the Kaneland school district’s students, their families, and the entire community. That dream transformed into the Kaneland Fine Arts Festival, which eventually blossomed into something much bigger. Today the Kaneland Arts Initiative provides Arts programming and events year round to the Kaneland students, their families, the community and beyond.
What if we bring professional artists to the kaneland Community?
The Kaneland Fine Arts Festival celebrated 20 years of connection between student and professional visual artists, hands-on workshops, and professional performing artists and groups. Each year the festival draws 3,000+ attendees for a day of culture and fun. Since the first festival in 1998 the festival has grown immensely, bringing in a huge variety of artists of many mediums.
What if we fostered the creativity of artists right here in the kaneland community?
In 2010 the KAI Performance Series was founded. The series provides the Kaneland Community the opportunity to see full length, professional quality performances at an affordable price. Furthermore, it provides the opportunity for students and community members to audition and participate in productions.
Kaneland Arts Initiative (KAI) produces several events throughout the year.
The Annual Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival – Held annually in Spring, the Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival is our founding event. The festival showcases the work of professional and student artwork in a 6-hour artist in residency celebration of the Arts.
Theatrical Productions – Professional-quality and family-friendly productions welcome our community to enjoy theatre together! Events like the Halloween Show at the Naper Settlement in Naperville entitled “All Hallows Eve” in October or a radio play for the holidays in December. You may join us for a small ensemble musical or play in the winter at Kaneland High School’s black box theatre. A staged reading is held in the winter or spring and presents thought-provoking plays with an intimate cast. The summer musical presents large scale productions with a talented cast, a live orchestra, and a professional set.
Arts Programming – Various Arts programming is offered to the community and students of the Kaneland School District throughout the year. Examples of our programming is Artist-in-Residencies, commissioned works, collaborations with authors, and much more!
Performances Series – Kaneland Arts Initiative brings professional artists to the Kaneland Auditorium stage from folk singers to comedians and dance groups.