WSIU's Jak Tichenor talks with Ra Joy, Executive Director of Illinois Arts Alliance, about the importance of promoting the value of the arts and arts education at a time when public funding is being slashed. The Illinois Arts Allianceis the state's premiere arts advocacy group and works closely with the Illinois Arts Council and local arts agencies to, as its motto states, "Give Voice to a Creative State." The Illinois Arts Alliancehas been fighting since 1982 to advance the arts through advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, provides a wide range of professional development opportunities for arts leaders, and ensures that children have access to a well-rounded education through Illinois Creates, a statewide arts educational program for young people.