Creative Projects Grant
The Illinois Arts Council's Creative Projects Grant funds innovative arts projects by Illinois artists and organizations that culminate in a public presentation or release.
Funder: Illinois Arts Council
Due Dates: Open deadline until funds are expended (all FY27 funds now fully expended as of August 7, 2026)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12,000 per project; no match required; grant period through August 31, 2027.
Summary: Supports Illinois artists and organizations to realize arts projects that culminate in a public presentation or release.
Key Information: FY27 funds are fully expended in all regions; applications are no longer being accepted for this cycle.
Description
The Illinois Arts Council's Creative Projects Grant (CPG) provides funding for arts projects conducted by Illinois artists, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions. The grant is designed to foster artistic innovation and community engagement by supporting projects across a wide range of disciplines—including visual arts, music, theater, literature, dance, digital media, ethnic, folk, and traditional arts—that result in a public release or presentation. CPG emphasizes meaningful human authorship, even in AI-assisted works, and helps amplify the visibility of the arts throughout Illinois.
