Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright earned her master’s degree and PhD from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. She is Executive Director of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, where she leads regional initiatives such as Ignite Peoria, Sky Art Peoria, Business of Art, the Follow Your Arts Gallery, and the Arts Dollars grant program. Through Arts Dollars, Mae helps channel critical funding to artists, schools, and nonprofits across the tri-county region — ensuring that creativity and culture remain accessible to all.
Beyond her professional role, Mae serves as Chair of the Women’s Fund Advisory Board at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, advancing resources and opportunities for women and girls. She also contributes her expertise to the City of Peoria’s Public Arts Advisory Commission and the Board of Directors for Peoria Fashion Week Academy.
Mae’s career spans leadership positions with Big Picture Peoria, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. She currently teaches at Bradley University and hosts WCBU’s weekly radio show and podcast "Out and About." Through leadership, scholarship, and service, she is committed to fostering innovation, accessibility, and collaboration throughout Illinois.
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