Support for Artists

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. CAF recognizes and supports the vital role that artists play as builders and innovators in their communities. By investing in their practice and professional growth, the fund not only enriches the lives of artists but also encourages broader community engagement and investment, leading to a vibrant cultural landscape and fostering connections among residents.

This is a $10,000 taxable award. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, November 20, 2024. All applications must be submitted via the applicant's IAC Salesforce account. 

• Individual artists with an active and sustained practice. (see full definition page 5 of the guidelines)
• At the time of application artists must:
  
  • Be age 21 or older.
  • Be established as an Illinois resident prior to November 20, 2023.
  • Be able to include a work sample created by you during 2022-2024.
  • Be able to include a work sample created by you during 2021, or prior.
  • Not be currently enrolled full-time at a college or university in any undergraduate or graduate program. Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible.

• Read the Creative Accelerator Fund Guidelines.
• Use Chrome as your browser when working in Salesforce.
  
• Once logged into Salesforce, complete updates to the Applicant Information tab first.
  
• Submit all required application materials by 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
  
• Questions? Join the Webinar (or watch the recording), participate in one of the Drop-ins, or contact your Program Director.
  

1. Does the application demonstrate the individual artist has an active and sustained practice?
2. Is the application complete?
   
3. Is the artist eligible to receive funds from the State of Illinois?
   

IAC anticipates a large response to this application and will determine recipients by randomized selection. Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select recipients from the applications submitted in that region. 

• Creative Accelerator Fund Application Webinar
  During this webinar, IAC staff discuss application tips and best practices including how to use the agency’s online Salesforce grant platform. Click the link below to register for the webinar. 

A webinar recording is now available

• Creative Accelerator Fund Drop-Ins
  Drop-in sessions are one-hour sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the participating Programs staff and get answers in real time. Drop-Ins do not require pre-registration, click the link below to join the meeting when it is time.

Friday, October 18th at noon
Monday, November 4th at noon
Wednesday, November 13th at 6:00pm

• For a complete listing of IAC Workshops, visit the IAC's Workshops & Webinars page.

How does IAC define an “Individual Artist with an active and sustained practice”?

An individual working in arts, crafts, design, dance, digital media, film/video, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, visual arts, folk and traditional arts, or community-based arts.

By “active and sustained,” we mean that you are currently committing time to practicing your art form that you have practiced since at least 2021. You do not necessarily need to derive significant income from your work in the arts (though it’s also fine if you do). It is also acceptable if your art form has changed over those years. The first submitted work sample needs to have been completed in 2022, 2023, or 2024. The second submitted work sample needs to have been completed in 2021 or prior.

How does IAC define “Work Sample created by you”?

Creative work should be 1. Entirely created by you or 2. Created with a substantial contribution by you. If the latter, please explain in the Work Sample Description what your part in the work’s creation is. For example, if you were the cinematographer for a film scene that was written/directed/performed by others, you’ll need to specify your contribution was the cinematography.

Collaborative applications will not be considered for CAF. It is expected that if both artists are eligible for CAF they would submit their own separate applications.

If artificial intelligence (A.I.) was used as a tool in the creation of your work, that needs to be explained in the Work Sample Description. You may not submit any work entirely generated by an A.I. program as your own.

Who is eligible to apply?

At the time of application, individual applicants must: 

• Meet Eligibility Requirements as described above.
• Submit no more than one application to the CAF Program per funding cycle.
• Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the applicant.
• Submit all requested application materials. 
• Due to the high number of anticipated applications, the initial review of the application’s eligibility will be strictly enforced. 

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Individuals enrolled in any degree or certificate granting program (including high school, bachelor, or masters-degree programs) at the time of application or during the award period. (Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible.)
• Organizations or schools. This award is for individuals only.

Is the CAF grant taxable?

Yes. The Internal Revenue Code provides that the full amount of the CAF is taxable to the recipient.