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.

Deadline: July 25, 3pm

The Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program (CDB/AIA)  is now accepting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from Illinois artists to create permanent original public art (a wall installation) for Southeastern Illinois College in Carmi, Illinois. Application materials must be delivered by email to CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov.

CLICK HERE to register for a free webinar on Thursday, 6/26/25 at 11am. Learn how to apply, about commission/purchase opportunities, contracts, and more! 

Deadline: July 11, 3pm

The Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program (CDB/AIA)  is now accepting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from Illinois artists to create permanent original public art (interior wall art installation) for the University of Illinois Springfield Library Commons in Springfield, Illinois. Application materials must be delivered by email to CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov.

CLICK HERE to register for a free webinar on Thursday, 6/26/25 at 11am. Learn how to apply, about commission/purchase opportunities, contracts, and more! 

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. 

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.

Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment

Deadline: August 8, 2025

Arts Midwest is partnering with the Center for Cultural Innovation to spread the word about this $5,000 grant that helps craft artists purchase tools and equipment needed to create their work. 

Culture Bearers Award

Deadline: July 21, 2025

Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the Midwest Culture Bearers Award! This $5,000 award celebrates and supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners. 

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