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, April 9, 2025. All applications must be submitted via the applicant's IAC Salesforce account.

Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select recipients from the applications submitted in that region. Additionally, IAC has transitioned to compliance-based evaluation criteria and does not evaluate the quality of artistic work or artistic accomplishments. The CAF randomized applicant selection is done in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery.

• Individual artists with an active and sustained practice. (see guidelines for full definition)
• At the time of application, artists must:
  • Be age 21 or older.
  • Be established as an Illinois resident prior to April 9, 2024.
  • Be able to include a work sample created by you during 2023-2025.
  • Be able to include a work sample created by you during 2022 or prior.
  • Not be currently enrolled in a degree-obtaining program, including a college or university in any undergraduate or graduate program. Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their coursework 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 Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:59 pm.
  
• 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?
   

The CAF randomized applicant selection is done in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery. Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select recipients from the applications submitted in that region.

• Creative Accelerator Fund Webinar 
  A pre-recorded webinar is available that reviews application tips and best practices, including how to use the agency’s online Salesforce grant platform.

• Creative Accelerator Fund Drop-Ins 
  Drop-in sessions are one-hour sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the participating Program 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.

Monday, March 3, at 3:00 pm
Wednesday, March 12, at 10:00 am
Tuesday, March 25, at 6:00 pm
Friday, April 4, at noon

• 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 2022. 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 2023, 2024, or 2025. The second submitted work sample needs to have been completed in 2022 or prior.

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Individuals enrolled in any degree-obtaining program (including high school, bachelor, or master's-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.