The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is offering scholarship funds of up to $1,500 to cover expenses related to attending the 2024 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference in Seattle, WA and/or the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) 2024 National Conference in Chicago, IL. Scholarships can cover expenses related to registration, travel, and hotel. The LEAD Conference will be held July 31 – August 2, 2024 in Seattle, WA, and the TCG Conference will be held June 20-22, 2024 in Chicago, IL.

Deadline for submitting IAC scholarship applications is Wednesday, March 27, 2024 by 11:59 PM in the online Salesforce grant portal. Applicants must be the individual applying for the scholarship, even if they are representing an organization.

LEAD Conference

Applications will be accepted from staff of eligible Illinois not-for-profit arts organizations, units of government, and institutions of higher education that are directly responsible for making cultural arts programs and facilities accessible for people with disabilities. Priority will be given to first-time attendees and those from rural and underserved communities.

The LEAD Conference provides an opportunity for professionals in the field to develop best practices and resources; engage in conversations with colleagues and experts from around the world; and learn practical methods for designing inclusive arts experiences and environments. The LEAD Conference not only introduces those new to the field to cultural accessibility solutions, but provides ongoing learning, support, camaraderie, and motivation— necessary fuel for anyone working to change the status quo.

LEAD Conference registration and hotel information is available online at https://web.cvent.com/event/1b970df7-6aea-402e-8f8e-57c5ec3525de/summary.

Details on how to apply for the IAC LEAD scholarship can be found on the IAC Landing Page: https://arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/lead-conference-scholarships.html

For additional information, contact IAC Director of Strategic Partnerships and ADA 504/Accessibility Coordinator, Teresa Davis at Teresa.N.Davis@illinois.gov.

TCG 2024 National Conference

Applications will be accepted from staff of eligible Illinois not-for-profit theatres, higher education theatre instructors, and individual theatre artists. Priority will be given to first-time attendees and those from rural, high-poverty, BIPOC, and disability communities.

Theatre Communications Group 2024 National Conference typically draws between 700 and 1,000-plus theatre professionals from around the world for professional development, community building, performances, and opportunities to explore the local theatre community. The TCG National Conference will feature performances, plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and workshops to share best practices and new business and artistic models.

TCG Conference registration and hotel information is available online at https://tcg.org/Web/Web/Events/National-Conference/National-Conference.aspx

Details on how to apply for the IAC TCG scholarship can be found on the IAC Landing Page: https://arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/tcg-national-conference-scholarships.html.

For additional information, contact IAC Director of Programs, Jackie Banks-Mahlum at Jackie.Banks-Mahlum@illinois.gov.