Non-matching Fellowships in fixed amounts of $7,000 are awarded to Illinois artists of exceptional talent to enable them to pursue their artistic goals. Artists Fellowships are given to creative individuals in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment within the arts. In addition, a limited number of Finalist Awards will be given. These awards of $700 recognize and encourage additional applicants who demonstrate considerable talent.
Recommendation for a Finalist Award has no bearing on an applicant's opportunity to receive a Fellowship Award. Finalist Award recommendations are made only after all Fellowship recommendations in a given category are completed. If you do not wish to be considered for a Finalist Award, you may indicate this on the application form.
Awards are highly competitive. In past years, approximately 10% of total applicants have been awarded Fellowship or Finalist Awards. Funding recommendations are presented to the Illinois Arts Council, which renders all final award decisions.
Two-Year Rotating Cycle
The Artists Fellowship Program operates on a two-year rotating cycle. For more information on these categories, see the Categories section.
NOTE: Applicants can apply in one category only in a given fiscal year (FY). MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States or holders of permanent resident alien status. Applicants must also be current residents of Illinois and must have been residents for at least one year prior to the application deadline.
For proof of residency, applicants must submit a copy of one of the following at the time of application
- Illinois drivers license which includes the date issued and expiration date
- state of Illinois identification card which includes the date issued and expiration date
- Illinois state income tax forms for the most recent year
- voter registration card
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
- Individuals enrolled in any degree or certificate granting program (including high school, bachelor or master degree programs) at the time of application or during the award period. (Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible)
- recipients of an IAC Fellowship in FY03 or FY04
COLLABORATIVE APPLICATIONS
Collaborative applications are accepted if each collaborator meets the requirements listed in the eligibility section above. A collaboration is defined as up to 3 artists who can clearly demonstrate a history of ongoing collaboration. Separate application forms must be filled out by each collaborator and submitted together with one set of work samples. Collaborative applications must be delivered or mailed in one package. If a collaborative application receives an award, the award will be divided equally between collaborators.
Artists planning to apply collaboratively must contact the Supervising Director for Programs prior to the submission.
Non-matching Fellowships in fixed amounts of $7,000 and Finalist Awards of $700.
Applications are reviewed on the criteria listed below:
- the quality of the applicant's work as demonstrated by the work samples submitted
- the applicant's record of professional arts activity and achievement as reflected by material submitted
- evidence that the applicant's work reflects continued, serious and exceptional aesthetic investigation in his/her chosen medium
Awards are made based on the quality of the work as demonstrated by the work samples submitted. Records of Professional Arts Activities and Achievements and statements of all final-round applicants will be available for review by the jury, however, the quality of the work submitted will remain the primary criterion.
You are strongly urged to submit the maximum work samples in your discipline for a more consistent, quality presentation. Be aware that the award decisions are heavily based on the samples submitted. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to submit the highest quality work samples in the most professional manner possible.