Springfield Area Arts Council Hires Andrew Schneider as Program Director

The Springfield Area Arts Council has hired Andrew Schneider as its new program director, placing him in a leadership role overseeing several of the organization’s arts and cultural programs in Sangamon and Menard counties.

Schneider began the position Sept. 1. His responsibilities will include taking a leading role in the production and long-term development of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, a nationally recognized program of the Arts Council. He will also support other SAAC programs, including First Night Springfield and grant programs for artists, schools and community organizations.

“Andrew brings a unique combination of hands-on programming, organizational leadership and statewide perspective, but what stood out most was his commitment to this community,” SAAC Executive Director Bella Szabo said. “He understands that the Arts Council is a connector, bringing together artists, audiences, schools, businesses, community organizations and supporters. We are excited to have someone who can help strengthen those connections across Sangamon and Menard counties.”

Schneider most recently served as senior director of government affairs at Arts Alliance Illinois, where he helped launch the bipartisan Illinois Creative Caucus, led statewide advocacy campaigns and worked with national researchers on efforts related to the future of Illinois’ creative sector.

His previous experience also includes work in arts programming, nonprofit leadership and small business development. Schneider co-founded Create Places, a Northern Colorado nonprofit that connects creativity with economic and workforce development. He later managed Downtown Artery, a 14,000-square-foot arts hub, and served as executive director of the Wyoming Arts Alliance. He also maintains his own creative practice.

Schneider was named to BizWest’s 2016 class of 40 Under Forty and was selected for Colorado Creative Industries’ Change Leader Institute. During the COVID-19 response, he was detailed to the Colorado Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth.

“My career moves back and forth between making things and building the conditions that allow other people to make things and make a living,” Schneider said. “Running an arts space, producing a public event, developing a creative business and shaping public policy may look like different work. To me, it is all about opportunity.”

Schneider takes the position as Springfield continues work on several projects that could affect the city’s downtown and surrounding areas, including rail consolidation, the Third Street corridor, downtown redevelopment and preparations surrounding the Route 66 centennial. He said arts and cultural programs can play a role in connecting those investments with residents, businesses and visitors.

“We can build new spaces, improve transportation and attract visitors, but what makes those investments matter? People do,” Schneider said. “The musician who brings an audience downtown; the artist who transforms a blank wall; the restaurant that stays open after a concert; the young person who encounters something here and begins to imagine a future within the community. Joining SAAC is an opportunity to support economic and community development while giving back to the place I now call home.”

In his new position, Schneider will also work with the Arts Council to encourage broader community participation in local arts programs. SAAC said residents can support the local arts community in a number of ways, including attending programs, hiring local musicians, supporting artists, volunteering and sponsoring events.

The Springfield Area Arts Council serves Sangamon and Menard counties and works with artists, schools, businesses, community organizations and supporters through local programming, grants and other arts initiatives.