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.
Additional State Funding & Other Opportunities
Deadline: May 15, 2026
The Illinois State Museum, in collaboration with Juneteenth Inc. – Springfield, IL, and State Historic Sites at Springfield, IL, proudly announces NOIR 6: The Truth exhibition. This upcoming art exhibit, set for 2026, will be hosted at the Old State Capitol Building, an Illinois Historic Site. Artists interested in participating in NOIR 6 should send inquiries to noirartexhibit2026@gmail.com for detailed submission guidelines.
Deadline: June 17, 2026
CDB/AIA is now accepting Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) from Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Northeastern Illinois University Education Building in Chicago, Illinois (Project # 817-010-055). The Committee is seeking to commission one artist to create two complementary exterior sculptures for the north and south plazas. These public art commissions and potential purchases are open to all professional artists, artisans, or artist-led teams that live and work in the state of Illinois.
Deadline: June 3, 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 Farmland Rest Areas in Farmers City, Illinois (Project # 630-497-002) in DeWitt County. These public art commissions and potential purchases are open to all proessional artists, artisans, or artist-led teams that live and work in the state of Illinois.
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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