Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced 77 “Chicago Arts Recovery Program” grantees, providing $10 million in project grant funding to aid local arts organizations still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. This new program, combined with DCASE’s annual “CityArts Program” providing $6.5 million in general operating support (with new grantees to be announced in July), totals $16.5 million in direct support to Chicago arts nonprofits in 2023 — the largest in DCASE’s history. The new “Chicago Arts Recovery Program” supports marketing and audience development, facilities, technology, planning, and workforce development for nonprofit arts organizations. Supported by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, this program provides arts organizations with resources to examine and address ongoing challenges brought on or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants awarded range from $50,000 – $235,000 and include participation in learning cohorts. The list of grantees is available at ChicagoCulturalGrants.org. DCASE is currently accepting ideas for the “Neighborhood Access Program” through May 19, 2023 — providing support for all types of community-based arts and culture activities.

Photo Credit: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events