Individual Artists Program (IAP)

2025 Individual Artists Program (IAP) application is now open. For detailed information, consult the 2025 IAP Guidelines. The application deadline is January 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CT.

2025 Individual Artists Program (IAP) Application

2025 Individual Artists Program Guidelines (PDF)

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.

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

IAP Webinars

Register to attend an online general information session or workshop on the 2025 IAP grant program. All applicants are highly encouraged to attend a virtual IAP webinar.

2025 IAP Information Sessions
Join DCASE grant team members for an info session on the 2025 Individual Artists Program (IAP) hosted on Zoom. This will cover general information and updates to the 2025 grant program. All info sessions will present the same material.

Thursday, December 19 | 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT | Register Online (Info Session)

Friday, January 3 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. CT | Register Online (Info Session)

Monday, January 6 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT | Register Online (Info Session presented in Spanish)

2025 IAP Workshops

Friday, December 20 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT | Register Online (Budget Workshop)

Friday, January 3 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT | Register Online (Application Tips Webinar)

If you have questions and are not able to access these virtual sessions, 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.

• West Englewood Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1745 W. 63rd St. | Friday, December 20 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT

• Brighton Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 4314 S. Archer Ave. | Friday, December 20 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT

• Chicago Cultural Center, Learning Lab, 1st Floor South, 78 E. Washington St. | Thursday, January 8 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CT

• Little Village Branch, Chicago Public Library, 2311 S. Kedzie | Wednesday, January 8 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT | Spanish language support available

• Portage-Cragin Branch, Chicago Public Library, 5108 W. Belmont Ave. | Thursday, January 9 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Spanish language support available

• Vodak-East Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106th St. | Saturday, January 11 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT

• West Pullman Branch, Chicago Public Library, 830 W. 119th St. | Saturday, January 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT

• Chicago Cultural Center, Learning Lab, 1st Floor South, 78 E. Washington St. | Monday, January 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 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.

• Kusanya Café, 825 W. 69th St. | Friday, January 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon CT

• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (NMPRAC), 3015 W. Division St. | Saturday, January 11 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT

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 15-20% of applicants.

• Artists must take one year off from applying after being selected for an IAP grant. 2024 IAP grantees are not eligible to apply.

• We will prioritize funding applicants that did not receive other support from DCASE in 2023 or 2024.

• 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

• Be able to complete a grant contract with the City of Chicago and to receive grant funds as taxable income

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

Additional requirements apply. For more detailed information on applicant and project eligibility, review the 2025 IAP Guidelines.

2025 Grant Calendar (Subject to change)