Agencies
Services
Opportunities for Artists
IAC Grants for Artists
Guidelines released: June 2026
Opens: Late June or July 1, 2026
Deadline: Open Deadline
Creative Project Grant (CPG) supports art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities.
Opens: September 2026
Deadline: October 2026
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.
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.
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.
Additional State Funding & Other Opportunities
Deadline: April 29, 2026
CDB/AIA is now accepting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) from Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Illinois Department of Transportation Coalfield Rest Areas in Waggoner, Illinois (Project # 630-397-005). The Committee is seeking exterior wall art to be installed on the large granite walls adjacent to the entrances at each rest area, four works total. Each available space is roughly 16’ wide by 10’ tall, but artists can utilize the space as they see fit. Artists are not limited to a particular medium or style.
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.
Additional Resources for Artists
Search for additional state and national resources for organizations through the IAC's Discipline-Specific Resources database.
Announcements for Artists
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