The City of Chicago announced the launch of the Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers, an innovative paid job training program that seeks to bridge the realms of arts, health, healing, and wellness. Funded through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funds, the program will pay artists to apprentice in community clinics and become certified community health workers to amplify the proven benefits of arts engagement in fostering holistic recovery, well-being, and social cohesion in communities. The program is a collaborative effort between the following organizations:
The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) – Lead project administrator supporting overall program design and implementation
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Core project collaborator, supporting program design participation of CDPH mental health centers
City Colleges of Chicago – Provider of artist training and community health worker (CHW) certification
One Nation/One Project – National partner providing research, evaluation, technical assistance, creative support, and peer networking opportunities across all 18 participating municipal and community partner sites
Ten Chicago artists have been selected for an apprenticeship award of $66,000 in salary and benefits. Each artist will spend a year apprenticing at mental health clinics in addition to completing a community health worker certification program at City Colleges of Chicago. For more information about the Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers, please visit ChicagoCulturalGrants.org.
