Opportunities for Artists

Guidelines Released June 20, 2025
Opens July 1, 2025
Grant Amount: Up to $12,000

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 12

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 Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) from Illinois artists to create permanent original public art for the Illinois Central College Library and Administration Building in East Peoria, Illinois. 

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. 

Vicinity 2025

Deadline: September 5

Vicinity 2025 is open to artists residing within driving distance of St. Charles. Exhibit dates are Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, November 2, 2025. Artists may enter ONE piece of original artwork for consideration. There is no established theme for Vicinity artwork.

Public Art Call to Artists

Deadline: September 5

The Town of Normal is pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to professional artists with existing inventory of outdoor sculpture available for purchase. This is the first project of the Town’s Public Art Master plan, adopted in June 2024. The sculpture park will be located in the green space at the center of the circle drive at 1110 Douglas Street in Normal. This body anticipates selecting up to three unique pieces of art to be purchased and installed by the end of 2025 or spring 2026. 

Call for Artwork

Deadline: September 8

The theme is open. Accepting all 2D media only and artists 18 years and older. No Size limitations. 

2026 Guest Artist and Guest Composer 

Deadline: September 10

The call is open to artists who are U.S. citizens, based in the Midwest, and active in their communities.

Apply for free online. 

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.