History
When she moved into the Near-Northwest Chicago community of Logan Square in 1999, Dawn Marie found a community rich with resources, but one with only a few arts organizations.  

She came with a vision of what artists could contribute to community if they were connected to each other and to local residents. In service of that vision, Dawn Marie founded aurorARTS alliance, which later was re-named Voice of the City. Dawn Marie’s mission for the alliance was two-fold: to bring artists from all disciplines together to make art through collaboration; and to offer high-quality arts education to area children and young adults, regardless of their ability to pay.

Since its inception, the alliance has grown to include hundreds of artists, thirteen Associate Artists, four Resident Artists, and dozens of Contracted Artists. The organization now provides six making and teaching art programs, has secured a vibrant board of directors, and has doubled its operating budget since 2005 by gaining the support of public and private funding.