What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Illinois Arts Council

Name: Illinois Arts Council
Address: 115 S. LaSalle Street , Ste. 2202, Chicago, IL, 60603, US
Telephone: (312) 814-6750
Rating: 4.3

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Illinois Arts Council

Building a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the arts.

02/14/2025

We are so proud of your project, University Galleries of Illinois State University! Bravo!

02/14/2025

Opportunity for Artists:
Call for Submissions - 76th Phidian Art Show
Runs April 3rd-25th, 2025 at the Loveland Community Building in Dixon, IL

- Artists must live within 35 driving miles of Dixon and be 17 or older. Artwork must be
suitable for family viewing.
- Artwork must be ready to hang with wire attached to the back of the work. Canvas
(framed or unframed) must have wire for hanging—no saw-tooth hangers.
- Only original artwork will be accepted. The concept and artwork must be done by the artist. Work copied from anyone else’s work in any way is not considered original. This includes artwork copied from photos from magazines or the Internet. Work created in an art class or workshop is not allowed. Work made from kits is not allowed.
- Only two-dimensional works are accepted. A collage will be accepted only if it lies flat and is framed under glass. A collage may contain pictures or photographs but must include artwork (I.e., drawings, paintings, sketches) created by the artist.
- Three-dimensional work, crafts, computer-generated art, or sculpture are not acceptable.
- The entire piece must not exceed 48” in width or height and weigh less than 25 lbs.

This annual event was started in 1947 by the Phidian Art Club, a group formed in 1890 to promote art, literature, and music. The show puts local artists’ work in the spotlight. Awards include American and regional scenes, nature, best floral, landscape, oil, watercolor, and pen and ink entries.

For further information, contact Ellen Allen 815-994-0841

For application and guidelines, follow the link: https://www.nextpictureshow.org/event/76th-phidian-art-show-reception/

02/14/2025

FINAL DAYS TO VOTE!
The Bronzeville Arts District has been nominated to be USA Today's number one arts district. You may cast your vote until February 17th. The Bronzeville Arts District is the only Chicago arts district nominated and they are currently in second place.

Just 10 minutes from downtown on Chicago's South Side is the historic Bronzeville Art District, once known as the city's "Black Metropolis." This art district has a rich cultural legacy — it's the source of Muddy Waters' blues and Gwendolyn Brooks' poetry — with art galleries housed in restored greystones and new murals that tell stories alongside historic bronze markers. Third Fridays bring extra energy to the area, as galleries stay open late, and trolley tours of the district are a great way to get to know more of the area.

Photo courtesy of Raymond Thomas Studios

Follow the link to cast your vote!
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-arts-district-2025/?mc_cid=e249080671

02/14/2025

Opportunity for Peoria-based artists:
The City of Peoria Illinois - Government is proud to announce the launch of the Banners and Boxes Beautification Program, a new initiative designed to showcase the talents of local artists while enhancing the downtown and warehouse districts. The program will feature vibrant artwork displayed on electrical boxes and banners on light posts, creating an outdoor gallery that celebrates creativity and enriches the community.

A total of 15 electrical boxes and 100 banners will display the art from local artists. Artists who reside in Peoria or who have a studio in Peoria are encouraged to apply. Up to twenty artists will be selected for banners and up to five artists will be selected for the electrical boxes.

Peoria has long been recognized for its commitment to public art, with an array of sculptures, murals, and iconic architectural designs that define the city’s character. The Banners and Boxes Beautification Program builds on this legacy by transforming everyday infrastructure into canvases for artistic expression.

Applications will close on March 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

Apply to be a part of this exciting opportunity and learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Q3WQus
You can also visit the city's website:
https://peoriagov.org/1061/Banners-and-Boxes-Beautification-Program

02/14/2025

Opportunity for Zinesters/Zine Creators:
is a celebration of small press and independent publishers, with an annual festival of workshops and the big expo day where 70+ zinesters sell and trade their zines. All CZF events are free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11 am to 4 pm

Harold Washington Library Center
Winter Garden, 9th Floor
400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Registration will again be curated to ensure that CZF has a diverse mix of zinesters at the fest. The registration period will be open February 14–28, and decisions will be shared with everyone who applies by March 31.

To register and for more information, follow the link - for IG users copy and paste this into your browser; or scan the QR code in the second image.
https://www.chicagozinefest.org/

02/13/2025

CASTING CALL!
Opportunity for Extras on the set of Hulu/FX show, 'The Bear':

The Hulu/FX show, ‘The Bear’, is casting for babies, chefs and average Chicagoans to be extras in their new season; extras are paid, as Season 4 filming is set to begin this month.

Details:
- Roles Available: Featured and recurring
- Location: Filming in Chicago, Illinois
- Requirement: Must be willing to work long hours on set

For more details, follow the link: https://projectcasting.com/job?search=HULU%27s+%27The+Bear%27+Season+4+Casting+Call
For IG users, please copy and paste this link into your browser.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/12/the-bear-looking-for-babies-chefs-and-average-chicagoans-to-be-extras-in-new-season/

Photo Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX

02/13/2025

Opportunity for Cook County Public Programs and Special Events:
DUE DATE: Friday, March 7, 2025 TIME: 10:00 a.m.
RFQ NO. 25-35-012120

The Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming at the Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking organizations and individuals to provide Cultural and History programming for public programs and special events held by the Forest Preserves at various Forest Preserves locations throughout Cook County.

Forest Preserves programming goals are to connect people to the rich natural resource that is the Forest Preserves and with this programming to the rich and diverse cultural history that makes up Cook County. Proposed Cultural & History Program should strive to provide audiences with both a connection to nature and to the many rich ethnic cultures that make up Cook County.

The PDF of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ):
https://fpdcc.com/about/doing-business-partnerships/
It is highly recommend that if you are interested in more information about this proposal and submitting, you sign up to be a Forest Preserves Vendor; it’s important to become a vendor because you will receive updates to the RFQ and any other notices about the RFQ. You will also receive notices about other Forest Preserves bid opportunities.

The Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming is hosting an information session about this RFQ on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 1PM

It is a Virtual meeting Via Zoom, the link is below (for IG users copy and paste this into your browser).
Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://fpdcc.zoom.us/j/86908833972
Meeting ID: 869 0883 3972 ---
One tap mobile +13092053325,,86908833972 # US
+13126266799,,86908833972 # US (Chicago)

02/13/2025

Opportunity for nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, individual practicing artists and collectives may apply for community-based projects that are open to the general public and K-12 schools and school-affiliated organizations may apply for after-school or summer arts programs that involve paid professional artists, in the greater East St. Louis community:

The East St. Louis Regional Arts Partners (RAP) grant program, previously known as the Community Arts Access program, awards grants to local cultural organizations and nonprofits offering arts programming. Schools and individual artists are also eligible for funding. The RAP program is made possible by funding from the Illinois Arts Council and the program is managed by St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts - VLAA.

The RAP program seeks to provide East St. Louis residents with more opportunities to participate in quality visual, literary, and performing arts experiences. Through project-based funding, the program supports public engagement with, and access to, various arts disciplines, the creation of art, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life.

An East RAP project may consist of one or more specific events or activities performed or presented to engage or benefit the residents of greater East St. Louis. The projects may be a new initiative or part of the applicant’s regular season or activities.
ARTS PROGRAMS BEGINNING NO EARLIER THAN MAY 1, 2025 AND CONCLUDING NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2025 ARE ELIGIBLE.

The East St. Louis RAP program has a total of $15,000 in grant dollars to distribute in 2025. Maximum grant awards are expected to be no more than $1,500 per project. Note: the 10% cash match is no longer required.

The application deadline is March 11, 2025.
There is a February 18th optional Virtual Application Writing Workshop, 5:30 PM. Request the Zoom link by sending an email to [email protected].

https://vlaa.org/grants-to-support-arts-engagement-and-learning-2/

02/13/2025

REMINDER!
Opportunity for Artists:
McLean County Arts Center / .county.arts.center
42nd Annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival
Artists Applications Now Available

Application Deadline: May 16, 2025

Mediums: Ceramics, Painting, Digital Art, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, 2D Mixed Media, 3D Mixed Media, Metal, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Wood

Artist Awards: Best in Show: $500

The 42nd Annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival will take place in Uptown Normal on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday, October 12th, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information and assistance, follow the link:
https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12915&fbclid=IwY2xjawH2EYFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWaAQUg-VPVQVz-U56QV2EkHln11jVOZMJN-K1_cF1nTXXfK3KBsOA7Pfg_aem_ElPvoHB4oW8F0hTh6XFfKw

02/13/2025

This is a reminder to update our IAC logo - make sure you pick the most current one! Please visit our Logo page on our website to download our updated logo!
https://arts.illinois.gov/about-iac/iaclogo.html

02/12/2025

In observance of Lincoln's Birthday, the IAC will be closed Wednesday February 12, 2025. The IAC office will reopen on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

02/11/2025

Opportunity for a Conversation/Discussion about Accessibility:
Meet | Cultural Access Collaborative's guest presenter for the Sensory Friendly Program Roadmap!

Charlotte "Chuck" Gruman (she/her) is an accessibility consultant, advocate, and educator based in Chicago, IL. With lived experience as a person with sensory processing disorder, ADHD and autism, Charlotte is passionate about bridging the gap between cultural spaces and the communities they aim to serve.

Join the Cultural Access Collaborative for an engaging conversation with Chuck on February 13th at 3:30pm CT. Explore the importance of understanding how audiences interact with sensory input, practical tools to help them feel prepared and welcome in your space, and actionable ways to make your programming more sensory-friendly.

Register now: https://culturalaccesscollaborative.org/.../sensory.../
For IG users copy and paste this into your browser to register.

02/11/2025

Opportunity for Designers / Creatives:
2025 Design Impact & Built Environment Grants
Nominations are due Friday, February 21, 2025
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), NeoCon Shows, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and the are thrilled to announce the fifth year of Designing a Better Chicago. This program elevates the visibility of Chicago’s design legacy, assets, talent and community, creates healthy urban environments, and supports civic good through design.

TWO DISTINCT GRANTS
In 2025, the program will host two awards: 1) the NeoCon: Design Impact Award, recognizing individuals or organizations using design for civic good and related programming in Chicago and 2) the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment Award, supporting leaders working to bring significant long-term impacts to Chicago communities and neighborhoods.

DESIGN IMPACT GRANT MISSION
The purpose of the NeoCon: Design Impact grant is to provide annual, project-specific grants to individuals and organizations using design or design principles to directly address pressing issues in Chicago communities by improving public life. Awardees will benefit Chicago residents through projects intended for the greater good.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT GRANT MISSION
The purpose of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment grant is to prioritize preserving Chicago's historic architecture and protecting its parks and open spaces. Awardees celebrate and preserve the unique character of its neighborhood design or design principles to directly address pressing issues in Chicago communities.

Grant amounts will be between $10,000 and $25,000. In 2025, Designing a Better Chicago will award $50,000 in sum total — $25,000 in the Design Impact category, and an additional $25,000 in the Built Environment category. We anticipate awarding 2–4 grants based on the quality of applications.

There will be one single application for both grant programs.

For more details, follow the link: https://www.designchicago.org/grants/designing-a-better-chicago

02/11/2025

Opportunity for Organizations:
Ready to make a difference?
Join in offering Access/VSA internships in creative careers, empowering individuals with disabilities in your community.

Proposal submission deadline: February 28, 2025
Notification: Selected recipients will be notified by April 28, 2025
Program implementation period: June 2 - August 31, 2025

The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA seeks contractors to provide Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program career development opportunities in creative industries, arts management, arts education, design, production, or technical theatre. for individuals with disabilities, ages 18-30. The program provides immersive, site-based internships that are designed to grow the individual’s potential for employment in a creative career and firmly set them on a path for future competitive employment. Program participants receive instruction and hands-on activities in which they develop critical 21st century business skills and knowledge needed for success in the creative career workforce, acquire real world experience, and have the opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in an employment setting.

For more information, follow the link:
https://www.accessvsa.org/accessvsa-creative-career-internships

02/11/2025

Opportunity for All:
| Illinois Humanities
Envisioning Justice Grant Writing Workshop
Feb 19, 2025, 5:15pm–7:45pm

Free to attend. Virtual via Zoom.

Part I: Telling Your Story with Judith McCray
Part II: Making the Case with Keyria Rodgers
Hosted by the Envisioning Justice Team

Join Illinois Humanities for an educational and informative two-part workshop on grant writing. The first hour will focus on “Telling Your Story.” Judith McCray will guide us on changing the narrative, story crafting, and media/documentary production that will enable participants to define and develop their messaging - especially those that reframe socially stigmatizing narratives.

After a short break, the second part with Keyria Rodgers, “Making the Case,” will focus on writing and creating a budget, effectively capturing your story, and monetizing it through grant applications.

By the completion of the workshop, participants will know how to structure their grants; how to effectively voice their needs; and how they can get their story out and talk about what they’re experiencing in their grant proposals.

Follow the link for more details: https://ilhumanities.org/events/grant-writing-workshop?bblinkid=283291546&bbemailid=57573561&bbejrid=-1123539217

02/10/2025

Thank you IAC for this grant. It will give me the opportunity to create a book and which I can tell the story of the Joel Hall Dancers and the influence of the Illinois Arts Council in the development of our story. So, we appreciate all of the time and effort that you have given to the dance company and there's a big story to tell with another generation of dancers to tell it too. We look forward to it! Thank you.

02/10/2025

Opportunity for Young Musicians:
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) 2025-26 Season Audition Applications are now open!

IMPORTANT DATES:
March 1: Orchestra audition applications due
April 1: Jazz audition and Steel ensemble placement applications due.

Don't miss out on your chance to learn from some of the best music educators and connect with young musicians from across the Chicagoland area and beyond. CYSO ensembles are open to young people ages 6-18, with ensembles for beginner to advanced musicians. Need-based financial assistance is available.

Follow the link for audition information for CYSO's orchestra, jazz, and steelpan ensembles: https://cyso.org/auditions/

Address

115 S. LaSalle Street , Ste. 2202
Chicago, IL
60603

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(312) 814-6750

Website

https://arts.illinois.gov/

Alerts

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Contact The Business

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Videos

Joel Hall, Co-Founder of Joel Hall Dancers & Center, thanks the IAC

IAC Council Member, Pemon Rami Wishes the IAC a Happy 60th

Hello. My name is Pemon Rami - international film producer, as well as a member of the Board of the Illinois Arts Council. We're on the set of our new film, A Boy Named Bobby, shooting in Chicago and I wanted to take this moment to thank the Arts Council for service that they have provided. Sixty years! Can you imagine? And the artists and institutions that they have touched and provided resources to - let's keep it going for another sixty years! Pemon Rami is an author, international film producer and director. #IAC #illinoisartscouncil #iac60 #iac60 #iac60strong #iac60andbeyond #pemonrami

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Message to the Illinois Arts Council 60th Year

Hello everyone. This is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and I'm excited to celebrate sixty years of the Illinois Arts Council. The arts play a vital role in shaping and enriching our lives. Art reflects human emotions and exposes us to the world. It connects diverse cultures and backgrounds. It can evoke anger, sorrow, and joy. It's a medium for communicating with one another, with the potential to unify and bring peace. Government support for the arts is vital to building a more cohesive society. It creates increased opportunities for open expression in our communities and it supports economic growth and jobs. And above all, we see the importance of embracing cultural diversity, something we pride ourselves on here in Illinois. I want to commend the Illinois Arts Council for its incredible work for making funding and resources available to students, emerging and professional artists and non-profit partners all across Illinois. Here's to sixty years and many more of keeping our arts sector vital, vibrant and accessible to all.

Instituto Cervantes Chicago and the IACA Celebrate Picasso in Daley Plaza

Thanks to @Instituto Cervantes Chicago Director Anastasio Sánchez Zamorano for his kind words about the IACA and it is always a pleasure to see ICC's Cultural Programs Curator, Teresa Hernando.

avery r. young reads the Proclamation for Richard Hunt Day in Illinois

IACA Executive Director Joshua Davis-Ruperto Opening Remarks at the One State Conference, 2023

Special Performance at the Historic Egyptian Theatre!

The IACA Listening Tour visits the Historic Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, IL. Amazing live performance by Arcomusical - an IACA grantee!

The East St. Louis Senior High School Orchestra

The Illinois Arts Council Agency was delighted to have been invited to the grand opening of AIRMW, (Asian Improv aRts Midwest) Cultural Hub, located at 4875 N. Elston Ave. on Friday, February 24, 2023. The community celebration follows on Sunday, February 26th at 1PM - for more information, check their website: https://www.airmw.org/ AIRMW has been partially funded by the IACA.

Illinois Arts Council

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Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

Joel Hall, Co-Founder of Joel Hall Dancers & Center, thanks the IAC

IAC Council Member, Pemon Rami Wishes the IAC a Happy 60th

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Message to the Illinois Arts Council 60th Year

Instituto Cervantes Chicago and the IACA Celebrate Picasso in Daley Plaza

avery r. young reads the Proclamation for Richard Hunt Day in Illinois

IACA Executive Director Joshua Davis-Ruperto Opening Remarks at the One State Conference, 2023

IACA Executive Director Joshua Davis-Ruperto Opening Remarks at the One State Conference, 2023

Special Performance at the Historic Egyptian Theatre!

The East St. Louis Senior High School Orchestra

Illinois Arts Council Agency Board Meeting Live Stream

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