Lollapalooza is donating $3.1 million to expand arts education in Chicago Public Schools, with a focus on under-resourced neighborhoods across the city.
The investment funds two separate initiatives. The first is a $1.1 million renewal of the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, which provides grants to CPS schools for in-school arts instruction. The second is a new $2 million partnership with All-City Performing Arts, a 63-year-old program that offers Saturday rehearsals and performances for students in grades 3 through 12.
All-City will receive $134,000 to establish an instrument lending library and $500,000 to cover rehearsal space, transportation, supplies, and performances. The program, rebranded as Lollapalooza Presents: All-City Performing Arts, launches in fall 2026.
Over the next five years, the combined investment is expected to reach more than 40,000 students across 150-plus CPS schools in more than 40 Chicago wards, according to Ingenuity, the nonprofit that administers the Arts Education Fund.
Since the Arts Education Fund launched in 2021 with a $2.2 million initial donation, it has awarded 234 grants to 117 schools across 43 wards, reaching more than 80,000 students.
CPS CEO and Superintendent Dr. Macquline King said the investment addresses a gap in arts access across the city.
The donation comes as Lollapalooza reported a record $480 million in economic impact for Chicago in 2025, according to World Business Chicago and festival organizers.
The four-day Grant Park festival drew more than 460,000 attendees, with 56 percent traveling from outside the city.
Festival organizers said Lollapalooza paid $10.28 million in rent to the Chicago Park District and generated an estimated $7.26 million in amusement tax revenue. Since 2010, the festival has contributed more than $3.6 billion to Chicago’s economy.
The $3.1 million donation, spread over five years, represents a fraction of the economic activity the festival generates each year.