Creative Projects Grant
Forecasted
Creative Projects Grant supports Illinois artists and organizations with funding for project-based artistic work across disciplines, bringing that work to audiences through a public release or presentation.
Funder: Illinois Arts Council
Due Dates: FY27 applications closed (funds exhausted August 7, 2026) | August 31, 2027 (Grant period ends) | September 30, 2027 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12,000 per project, with no matching requirement
Summary: Supports Illinois artists’ and organizations’ arts projects culminating in a public release or presentation.
Key Information: FY25 Creative Catalyst Grant and FY26 Creative Projects Grant recipients are ineligible.
Description
The Illinois Arts Council’s Creative Projects Grant (CPG) supports project-based artistic work in Illinois, with public sharing built into the funded activity. Eligible disciplines include crafts, design, dance, digital media, film/video, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, visual arts, ethnic, folk and traditional arts, and community-based arts. Ethnic, folk and traditional artists seeking mentorship or project funding are encouraged to apply.
Each grant supports one project, which may contain multiple activities but cannot bundle separate projects. The program administers funds regionally, with separate allocations for each IAC region. Review emphasizes documented feasibility: the artists, venues, budget, locations and timeline must support completion of both the artistic work and its public release or presentation within the grant period.
