state arts action network

Ra Joy

Ra Joy is an artist and arts advocate with extensive experience in public policy and the congressional arena. As executive director for one of the premier statewide advocacy organization's in the nation, Mr. Joy oversees research, capacity building, and communication efforts to advance widespread support for the arts and arts education in Illinois.

Prior to joining the Illinois Arts Alliance, Mr. Joy served for six years as a senior staffer for U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-9). Motivated by the belief that democracy is a verb and the instinct to be creative is universal, Mr. Joy serves as chair of the Evanston Ethic Arts Festival and is a member of the board of directors for Mikva Challenge.

He was selected as a fellow for the 2005 class of Leadership Greater Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University. Born and raised in Evanston, IL, he currently resides in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood with his wife, Falona, and their three sons.