Individual Artists Program (IAP)
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) · Direct application
Eligibility
About this scholarship
Practicing individual artists at least 18 years old who live in Chicago may apply for project or professional-development support across film, literary, music, performing, and visual arts. Chicago residency with valid Illinois Driver's License, State ID, or Chicago CityKey is required.
Grants fund creation, development, or presentation of artwork and professional development. Requests up to $6,000 are accepted; DCASE anticipates funding roughly 15-20% of applicants.
The 2026 cycle opened December 9, 2025 and closed January 15, 2026 at noon CT via ChicagoCulturalGrants.org. Prior IAP awardees must skip one year before reapplying.
DCASE administers the program as part of the city's cultural grants portfolio for individual Chicago artists.