Applications open for Individual Artists Program (US)

Through this program, DCASE will award project grants to resident Chicago artists. This program seeks to address the following goals, in support of its mission:

• To make grants in alignment with artists’ self-identified, unique and evolving needs.
• To address gaps in local and national individual artist funding infrastructures.
• To support a diverse group of artists reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape.

Focus Areas

• Artists must select only one primary discipline for their project:
  • Film & Media Arts
  • Literary Arts
  • Music
  • Performing Arts (Theater/Dance)
  • Visual Arts/Design

Funding Information

• They will accept requests up to $6,000. DCASE may award larger or smaller grants than those requested by applicants based on their available funds, the strength of the proposed work, and the clarity of the submitted budget. A majority of grants will be awarded at no less than 75% of request amounts. If you are a City of Chicago employee or elected City official, the maximum you may receive through this program is $1,000.
• Grant Period: The grant period will be January 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025, or January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 depending on the timing of your project. Grant periods have been extended to two years due to payments being projected to go out later in 2025, and to give grantees more time to execute their projects.

Eligible Projects

• Applicants will also select a project type to best describe the project activities:
  • Project in Development: Create or develop a new work
  • Publication/Distribution: Promote and build audiences for an existing work
  • Public Event – Local: Presentation of work within city of Chicago
  • Public Event – Touring: Presentation of work outside city of Chicago
  • Research: Research in preparation for a future work
  • Investment in Artistic Practice: Funding to support general administrative costs associated with artistic practice, such as artistic or professional training, renting or purchasing equipment, materials, or services

Eligible Expenses

• IAP grants can be used to support the creation, development, presentation or publication/distribution of specific artistic projects; or to support general administrative costs associated with the applicant’s artistic practice, such as artistic or professional training and other professional advancement opportunities, renting or purchase of equipment and materials needed to develop a body of work, or other services such as website development or studio fees.
• All project expenses incurred during the grant period that meet the parameters listed in this section and are not otherwise listed under Funding Restrictions are eligible for support through this program. These expenses can include studio and venue rental fees, fees paid to individuals serving as collaborative and contracted artists, and the cost of raw materials needed to create art.
• The following travel expenses are allowed: travel stipends (up to $250 per domestic round-trip flight, up to $650 per international round-trip flight, up to $185 plus tax per night for lodging including hotels, Airbnb’s, etc.), and up to $50 per full trip using ground transportation (bus, train, other transit, shuttles, taxis, etc.) Other cargo, freight, shipping, baggage fees, visa processing fees and agent fees related to participation in the project should be itemized. Lodging stipends have been determined based on federal travel stipend standards.
• IAP grantees can use 25% of their grant to pay themselves for their work on the project and to purchase equipment with a total value of $5,000 or less.

Ineligible Expenses

• DCASE IAP funds cannot be used to support:
  • Capital improvements.
  • Tuition for a degree or certificate-based, university-level educational program.
  • Expenses in support of the artist’s affiliated business, corporation, or arts organization.
  • Projects already receiving support during the same grant period from another DCASE Cultural Grants program, such as Neighborhood Access Program.
  • An applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project.
  • Applicants seeking funds for projects considered to be hobbies or of a recreational nature.
  • Projects for which the intellectual property holder is not the applicant.
  • Banking fees, PayPal fees, or service fees from crowd funding projects.
  • Food or beverage expenses, unless the food or beverage costs are a critical part of or materials for the artistic project.
  • Fundraising events, religious ceremonies or events, or advocacy of specific political causes or candidates.
  • No more than 50% of a grant to a single individual except for apprenticeship projects.
  • Vehicle rental of any kind, mileage reimbursement, per diem, or travel and auto insurance fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for an IAP Grant, grant applicants must:
  • Be a practicing artist, artisan, curator or cultural producer. This is defined as someone who:
    • Is actively creating, curating or producing work
    • Has demonstrated experience in the arts through the creation, curation or production of work or contributions to the field.
    • Has at least a two-year history of public presentation or publication.
  • Be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois with a valid street address (no PO boxes). A Driver’s License, State I.D., or Chicago CityKey showing Chicago address must be provided. No other proof of Chicago residency will be accepted. Chicago must be the home base and geographic focus for applicants.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be able to complete a grant contract with the City of Chicago and to receive grant funds as taxable income.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following are not eligible to apply for the 2025 IAP grant program:
  • Individuals applying as a business or other incorporated entity.
  • Individuals enrolled full-time in undergraduate college/university studies of any kind.
  • 2024 IAP grantees.
  • Previously-awarded IAP grantees who received an extension on their grant period through 2025.
  • Past IAP grantees that have not completed the required Final Report for their funded project or that did not execute a previously funded project.
  • Past IAP grantees that did not complete their grant contracting paperwork within the allowable timeline.
  • Current DCASE employees.

For more information, visit DCASE.