Creative Accelerator Fund
The Creative Accelerator Fund from the Illinois Arts Council provides $10,000 awards to Illinois artists to support their professional growth and community engagement without evaluating artistic merit.
Funder: Illinois Arts Council
Due Dates: April 9, 2025 | October 14, 2026
Funding Amounts: $10,000 per artist (taxable, one-time award)
Summary: Provides direct support to individual artists in Illinois to strengthen their professional practice and foster community engagement.
Key Information: Selection is randomized by region in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery; not merit- or need-based.
Description
The Creative Accelerator Fund, administered by the Illinois Arts Council, offers $10,000 awards to individual artists residing in Illinois. The program’s goal is to bolster the state’s creative workforce by supporting artists' professional growth and community impact. The selection process is randomized and region-based, ensuring equitable geographic distribution, and is conducted in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery. The award is intended as holistic support for artists to invest in their practice, with minimal restrictions on use (except for prohibited categories such as academic study or political activity). This fund does not evaluate the quality of artistic work; eligibility and compliance are the primary criteria.
