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.
Donor Name: Illinois Arts Council
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/09/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
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.
Funding Information
This is a $10,000 taxable award.
Grant Period
September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.
Eligible Art Practices
Examples of eligible art practices include, but are not limited to:
- actors
- performance artists
- theater designers and directors
- puppeteers
- choreographers
- dancers
- filmmakers/videographers
- media artists
- musicians
- composers
- conductors
- creative writers of all genres
- visual artists
- muralists/public artists
- community-based artists
- community-based teaching artists.
Eligibility Requirements
- 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 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.
For more information, visit Illinois Arts Council.
