Creative Accelerator Fund
The Creative Accelerator Fund from the Illinois Arts Council supports Illinois artists’ professional growth and community impact through direct, unrestricted funding.
Funder: Illinois Arts Council
Due Dates: April 9, 2025 | October 14, 2026
Funding Amounts: $10,000 per award; one-time, taxable grant to individual artists.
Summary: Supports Illinois individual artists’ professional growth and community impact through direct funding.
Key Information: Selection is by regional randomized lottery; late/incomplete applications are not accepted.
Description
The Creative Accelerator Fund is a grant program of the Illinois Arts Council designed to support individual artists throughout Illinois. The program recognizes the essential role artists play as innovators and community builders by providing direct, unrestricted financial support. The fund aims to bolster the creative workforce, enhance artists’ professional development, and foster vibrant community engagement across the state. Awardees are selected through a regional randomized lottery process, ensuring geographic equity.
