Creative Projects Grant
Forecasted
Creative Projects Grant supports Illinois artists and organizations in carrying out single arts projects across a range of disciplines, bringing their work to audiences through public releases or presentations.
Funder: Illinois Arts Council
Due Dates: FY27 applications closed August 7, 2026 (funds exhausted) | August 31, 2027 (project end) | September 30, 2027 (final report)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12,000 with no matching requirement; projects end by August 31, 2027
Summary: Supports Illinois artists’ and organizations’ single arts projects culminating in a public release or presentation.
Key Information: Recipients of FY25 Creative Catalyst or FY26 Creative Projects funding are ineligible.
Description
The Illinois Arts Council’s Creative Projects Grant supports arts projects by Illinois artists, arts educators, eligible nonprofits, government entities, and colleges and universities. Projects must include a public release or presentation during the grant period. Supported fields include crafts, design, dance, digital media, film/video, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, visual arts, and community-based arts. Ethnic, folk, and traditional artists seeking mentorship or project funding are especially encouraged to apply.
Each grant supports one project, which may include multiple activities but cannot bundle separate projects. Funding is allocated by IAC region. Review emphasizes documented feasibility: the artists, venues, budget, resources, and timeline must support completion of the proposed work and its public presentation.
