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The Scene was our Illinois arts & culture podcast through 2017. Rachel Otwell curated the podcast which provided full-length stories and follow-ups, links to other reports, and conversations with you.This podcast contained a range of stories from the world of arts & culture, from visual art to Springfield's DIY music scene, to profiles of interesting local characters. The podcast was about what makes artists tick, and the diverse culture that exists within our community.

The Great Springfield Art Merger Of 2016

Rachel Otwell/WUIS

Springfield Art Associationand Prairie Art Allianceare becoming one, and will focus on rebranding and integrating in the coming year. If you've been part of the art scene in Springfield, there's a good chance you've heard this question: "Why don't local arts groups work more cohesively ?" 

It's one that has long circulated, because given Springfield's size --  it has several different groups when it comes to theater, music and visual art. Two of Springfield's most prominent organizations have decided to pool resources and become one entity. It's big news for the scene.

I sat down with Betsy Dollar, who heads the Springfield Art Association, which is over 100 years old -- and Corrin McWhirter with the Prairie Art Alliance. They talk about the merger, which is right around the corner ... and what it will bring:

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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