The initial collection, acquired in 1988 through the State of Illinois Art-in-Architecture's "Illinois for Art" program, includes 29 pieces created by emerging Illinois artists and is titled "Potential for Greatness." Through the state initiative, one-half of one percent of capital appropriations is designated to decorate state facilities with the work of Illinois artists. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy serves as a repository for these two and three-dimensional art pieces selected by a fine arts committee appointed by the state Capital Development Board.
The Campus Art digital collection contains over 80 photographs of donated art pieces, student artwork, and gifts to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy from other countries in addition to the original "Potential for Greatness" collection.
