Opportunities for Artists

Opens: July 10, 2024
Deadline: Open Deadline

Chicago Metro Catalyst grant funds have been fully expended. Applications are still being accepted from IAC’s Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern regions.

Creative Catalyst Grant offers support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for arts-related projects, programming, events, and/or professional development.

Opens: September 25, 2024
Deadline: November 20, 2024

The Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) award is holistic financial support offered to practicing individual artists to bolster the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois’ creative and economic activity.

Opens: October, 2024
Deadline: TBD

Award Size: $3,000 awarded to the mentor

The Folk Arts Mentorship (FAM) Program is designed to support a mentoring relationship between an established traditional artist and apprentice that concludes with a free public presentation of achievements made by the apprentice during the apprenticeship period.

Deadline: September 13

CDB/AIA is now accepting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Illinois artists to create permanent original public art for art for John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL.   Project budget is $16,500.  

Chicago Made Music Showcase

Auditions: September 14, 16 and 17 

The annual Chicago Made Music Showcase invites all Chicagoland musicians to audition for a chance to perform before a panel of industry experts to win networking opportunities, performing opportunities, or even the $10,000 grand prize.

Identity Sculpture Request for Proposals

Deadline: September 18

Request for Proposals from qualified artists, sculptors, metal workers, manufacturers, and more, for the design and installation of a letter sculpture.

Contact Rachel.Cantin@waukeganil.gov for support.  

Sculpture Request for Proposals

Deadline: September 26

The City of Crystal Lake is seeking proposals from Artists for the commissioning of an original art sculpture to be placed at the roundabout located at the intersection of Congress Parkway and Exchange Drive.   Contact Nick Hammonds, Deputy City Manager, for information:  Please contact Nick Hammonds, Deputy City Manager, for information: nhammonds@crystallake.org

Deadline: October 18

The Illinois Flag Commission will begin accepting public submissions for a new state flag design beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Submissions will be considered from the public – online or via mail – until Oct. 18. The commission also plans to work with schools and local libraries to inform Illinoisans about the process and encourage residents to take part.

Richard Hunt Award Application

Deadline: September 27  

CSE is thrilled to renew the CSE Richard Hunt Award. In recognition of the internationally-heralded artist and Chicago native Richard Hunt, CSE continues to bring new perspectives and diversity to the public art world by offering financial support to emerging or mid-career Chicagoland sculptors for a new artwork sited at an OUTDOOR prominent location in the city.

Deadline: November 11

The Hopper Prize is accepting entries for Fall 2024 artist grants. They are offering $3,500 and $1,000 grants to artists around the world. For this open call, they will be providing 6 grants totaling $11,000 USD. 2 artists will each receive $3,500 and 4 artists will each receive $1,000. This is an international open call. All media is eligible.

USArtists International

Deadline: February 26, 2025

USArtists International® (USAI) supports performances by artists from any state or territory in the U.S. at engagements at international festivals and global presenting arts marketplaces outside of the United States. The program funds individuals and ensembles across all performing arts practices and disciplines.

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