Agencies
Services
Opportunities for Artists
IAC Grants 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.
Additional State Funding & Other Opportunities
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.
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.
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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