Illinois Arts Council
Chicago · US
Illinois's state arts council, on South LaSalle Street in Chicago. Its Creative Accelerator Fund gives Illinois artists with an active and sustained practice a $10,000 taxable award; it doesn't judge artistic quality, instead picking eligible applicants at random per region in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery. A separate Creative Projects Grant funds art projects with a public release or presentation.
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How much
$10,000 (Creative Accelerator Fund)
as stated on their own funding pages — per programme, not a combined total
What it funds
Who can apply — in their words
Individual artists with an active and sustained practice. At the time of application, artists must: Be age 21 or older. Be established as an Illinois resident prior to October 14, 2025. Not be currently enrolled in a degree-obtaining program, including a college or university in any undergraduate or graduate program.
Applying
Applications are taken in dated rounds, not year-round — the dates below are the ones they publish.
Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) Opens: September 2, 2026 Deadline: October 14, 2026