Opportunities for Artists

Opens July 1, 2025

Deadline: Closed

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.

Fulton And Milwaukee Viaduct Public Art Project

Deadline: November 10

The City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with the Office of Alderman Conway, invites Chicago area artists, artist teams, and arts organizations to submit their qualifications for a public art commission at the Union Pacific railroad viaduct located at Fulton Street and Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.

Deadline: November 16

This national juried exhibition seeks artwork that demonstrates the excellence and important perspectives of artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, residing in the United States. Fifteen artists each receive a $3,000 financial stipend, engage in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center, and have one of their submitted works featured in an exhibition that tours the United States.

Deadline: January 7

Each year outstanding musicians with disabilities from around the world are selected to participate in the Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program. This opportunity is open to soloists and ensembles of any instrument or genre including classical, jazz, hip-hop, rock and more!

Deadline: February 25

USArtists International® supports in-person performances by artists from any state or territory in the U.S. at engagements at international festivals, global presenting arts markets, and other eligible engagements outside of the United States. The program funds individuals and ensembles across all performing arts practices and disciplines.

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.