Opportunities for Artists

Opens July 1, 2025

Deadline: Closed

Creative Project Grant (CPG) supports art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities.

Opens: May 23, 2025
Deadline: Closed

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is offering scholarship funds of up to $750 to cover expenses related to attending the 2025 One State Together in the Arts & Humanities Conference, to include registration, travel, and hotel costs. The 2025 One State Conference will be held November 5–7, 2025, in Champaign-Urbana.

Opens: February 26, 2025
Deadline: Closed

The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) provides crucial support to artists with a goal of strengthening the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois’ economic activity.

In FY26 the Folk Arts Mentorship grant program will be absorbed into the Creative Projects Grant (CPG). Ethnic, Folk, or Traditional artists interested in mentorship or project funding are encouraged to apply through CPG.

Early Entry Deadline: August 31

Late Entry Deadline: October 10

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is encouraging Illinois filmmakers to enter the DCEO Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest dedicated to promoting the best short films from Illinois students or residents 22 years old or younger.  The Shortcuts winner will receive $250 and be screened at the 815HORTS festival, a short film festival based in Rockford scheduled November 14-15, 2025. 

Deadline: September 26

The Illinois Arts Council has partnered with the Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program (CDB/AIA) to promote an opportunity for Illinois artists. CDB/AIA is now accepting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Innovation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. 

Professional Artist Pool for Public Art Installations

Deadline: October 2

The CPS Department of Arts Education is seeking professional Chicago artists to join our newly established CPS Professional Artist Pool for Public Art Installations. We are building a diverse network of artists and arts organizations to partner on paid, permanent public art installations across the district and in more than 600 schools.

At IL250.org, individuals and organizations can sign up to become a promotional partner, establish an IL250 community, submit events to the local and national calendar, and access resources.

Join a statewide commemoration of the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Stay tuned for more information and program announcements from Illinois Humanities. Questions? Email IL250@ilhumanities.org.

Search for additional state and national resources for organizations through the IAC's Discipline-Specific Resources database.