The Individual Artists Program (IAP) is designed to assist Chicago’s practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago.
Donor Name: City of Chicago
State: Illinois
City: Chicago
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 01/15/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
Through this program, DCASE will award project grants to resident Chicago artists.
- To make grants in alignment with artists’ self-identified, unique and evolving needs.
- To address gaps in local and national individual artist funding infrastructures.
- To support a diverse group of artists reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape.
Discipline
Artists Must Select Only ONE Primary Discipline for their project:
- Film & Media Arts
- Literary Arts
- Music
- Performing Arts (Theater/Dance)
- Visual Arts/Design.
Funding Information
It anticipates requests up to $6,000.
Grant Size
January 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026.
Project Activities
- Project in Development: Create or develop a new work
- Publication/Distribution: Promote and build audiences for an existing work
- Public Event – Local: Presentation of work within city of Chicago
- Public Event – Touring: Presentation of work outside city of Chicago
- Research: Research in preparation for a future work
- Investment in Artistic Practice: Funding to support general administrative costs associated with artistic practice, such as artistic or professional training, renting or purchasing equipment, materials, or services.
Eligible Expenses
- IAP grants can be used to support the creation, development, presentation or publication/distribution of specific artistic projects; or to support general administrative costs associated with the applicant’s artistic practice, such as artistic or professional training and other professional advancement opportunities, renting or purchase of equipment and materials needed to develop a body of work, or other services such as website development or studio fees.
- All project expenses incurred during the grant period that meet the parameters listed in this section and are NOT otherwise listed under Funding Restrictions are eligible for support through this program. These expenses can include studio and venue rental fees, fees paid to individuals serving as collaborative and contracted artists, and the cost of raw materials needed to create art.
- The following travel expenses are allowed: travel stipends (up to $250 per domestic round-trip flight, up to $650 per international round-trip flight, up to $185 plus tax per night for lodging including hotels, Airbnb’s, etc.), and up to $50 per full trip using ground transportation (bus, train, other transit, shuttles, taxis, etc.) Other cargo, freight, shipping, baggage fees, visa processing fees and agent fees related to participation in the project should be itemized. Lodging stipends have been determined based on federal travel stipend standards.
- IAP grantees can use 25% of their grant to pay themselves for their work on the project and to purchase equipment with a total value of $5,000 or less.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an IAP Grant, grant applicants must:
- Be a practicing artist, artisan, curator or cultural producer. This is defined as someone who:
- Is actively creating, curating or producing work
- Has demonstrated experience in the arts through the creation, curation or production of work or contributions to the field.
- Has at least a two-year history of public presentation or publication.
- Be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois with a valid street address A Driver’s License, State I.D., or Chicago CityKey showing Chicago address that matches applicant information must be provided. No other proof of Chicago residency will be accepted. Chicago must be the home base and geographic focus for applicants.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to complete a grant contract with the City of Chicago and to receive grant funds as taxable income.
For more information, visit City of Chicago
