Individual Artists Program (IAP)

The 2024 application is now closed.

2024 Individual Artists Program (IAP) Application

2024 Individual Artists Program Guidelines (PDF)

2024 Individual Artists Program Guidelines (PDF) - Spanish

The Individual Artists Program (IAP) aims to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago. IAP grants support artists across all artistic disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Music, Performing Arts (Theater/Dance), and Visual Arts/Design.

Please note that City of Chicago offices are closed Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday. We recommend applicants plan accordingly and submit materials in advance of the deadline when possible. DCASE staff will respond to questions through the application deadline of Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

IAP Webinars

Register to attend an online general information session or workshop on the 2024 IAP grant program. All applicants are highly encouraged to attend a virtual IAP webinar.

Thursday, December 7 | 10:00am - 11:00am CT | View Recording (Info Session)

Wednesday, December 13 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm CT | View Recording (Full Application Workshop)

Wednesday, December 20 | 5:00pm - 6:00pm CT | View Recording (Budget Workshop)

Monday, January 8 | 11:00am - 12:00pm CT | View Recording (Info Session)

If you have questions and are not able to access these virtual meetings, if you need assistance in another language, or if you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to attend or apply please contact culturalgrantmaking@cityofchicago.org for assistance.

Webinars will be recorded and shared as a resource. Applicants do not need to attend a webinar to apply.

IAP Drop-In Sessions

Meet with a DCASE staff member to discuss or ask questions about your Individual Artists Program application. Advance registration is not required. Sessions are first-come, first-served.

• Brighton Park, Chicago Public Library, 4314 S. Archer Ave. | Thursday, December 21 | 12:30pm - 2:30pm CT | Spanish translation available

• Pullman Branch, Chicago Public Library, 11001 S. Indiana Ave. | Thursday, December 21 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm CT

• Humboldt Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1605 N. Troy St. | Wednesday, January 3 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm CT

• Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Square, 1st Floor North, 78 E. Washington St. | Thursday, January 4 | 11:00am - 12:30pm CT

• Albany Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3401 W. Foster Ave. | Saturday, January 6 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm CT

• Vodak - East Side, Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106 St. | Tuesday, January 9 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm

• Chicago Cultural Center, Learning Lab, 1st Floor South, 78 E. Washington St. | Wednesday, January 10 | 10:30am - 12:00pm CT

• Chicago Cultural Center, Learning Lab, 1st Floor South, 78 E. Washington St. | Thursday, January 11 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm CT

• Little Village Branch, Chicago Public Library, 2311 S. Kedzie Ave. | Saturday, January 13 | 10:00am - 12:00pm CT

IAP Community Information Sessions

Join for a brief presentation on the Individual Artists Program and ask general questions about the program and application. Advance registration is not required.

• 18th Street Casa de Cultura, 2057 W. 18th St. | Thursday, December 21 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm CT | Spanish translation available

• Kusanya Café, 825 W. 69th St. | Wednesday, January 10 | 10:00am - 12:00pm CT

• En Las Tablas, 4111 W. Armitage Ave. | Wednesday, January 10 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm CT | Spanish translation available

• (cancelled due to weather) South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave. | Friday, January 12 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm CT

Visit this page for the most up-to-date list of application assistance opportunities.

General Information

Individual Artists Program (IAP) Grants support the creation, development, or presentation of artwork and professional development.

Grants support artists across all artistic disciplines including:

• Film & Media Arts

• Literary Arts

• Music

• Performing Arts (Theater/Dance)

• Visual Arts & Design

Key Points

• DCASE anticipates making 200 - 250 grants through this program.

• We anticipate funding approximately 25% of applicants.

• Beginning in 2024, artists must take one year off from applying after being selected for an IAP grant. 2023 IAP grantees are not eligible to apply.

• We will prioritize funding applicants that did not receive other support from DCASE in 2022 or 2023.

• DCASE’s Cultural Grants Program strives for an equitable distribution of artistic services across the city and will prioritize projects created by residents of community areas which have been historically under-resourced.

• We will accept requests up to $6,000.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for funding from the Individual Artists Program, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:

• Be a practicing artist, artisan, curator, or cultural producer.

• Be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois (proof of Chicago residency is required for application - we will only accept a Driver’s License, State of Illinois ID or Chicago CityKey)

• Be at least 18 years old

• Must not be enrolled full time in undergraduate college/university studies of any kind.

For more detailed information on Eligibility, review the 2024 IAP Guidelines.

2024 Grant Calendar (Subject to change)