ArtsPartners Honors David Hoffman in Peoria
The nonprofit awarded its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to the longtime jazz trumpeter at a gala.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Awards
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ArtsPartners of Central Illinois presented its first Lifetime Achievement Award to musician David Hoffman during a gala at the Gateway Building. The event also recognized Bill Conger as the 2026 ArtsPartner of the Year.
Why it matters
The organization established the new award to honor Hoffman for his excellence and dedicated service to the jazz community. Hoffman previously spent over a decade as a trumpeter and arranger for Ray Charles.
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois reported annual expenses of $297,000 against $237,000 in total income, leaving the organization with $40,000 in remaining assets. The city of Peoria provided the group with a $100,000 grant.
The players
David Hoffman
He is a jazz trumpeter and arranger who served in the band of Ray Charles for thirteen years.
Bill Conger
He is the recipient of the 2026 ArtsPartner of the Year Award.
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois
This organization supports the local arts sector through funding and community recognition programs.
The details
The gala featured an impromptu performance by Hoffman alongside musicians from Bradley University. Hoffman performed across 40 countries and 45 U.S. states during his tenure with the Ray Charles band.
Timeline
Oct. 21, 2026: ArtsPartners of Central Illinois held its annual gala.
1991-2004: David Hoffman performed as a trumpeter for Ray Charles.
Culture Shift
The report highlights that the arts sector in Illinois generates $148 billion in economic output, contextualizing the local organization's role in a much larger statewide industry. This scale underscores the massive reach of an ecosystem that provides 734,000 jobs across the state.
Residents can engage with the local arts community by attending future gala events or participating in programs funded by city grants. The support for these institutions helps sustain the local creative economy that currently provides thousands of regional jobs.
The takeaway
Recognizing long-term contributors to the arts helps preserve cultural history and encourages regional talent development. Supporting local organizations provides the necessary infrastructure to maintain a vibrant creative scene for the public.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest honors in the Peoria Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chronicle Media.
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