Calling all creatives!
Thanks to advocacy efforts by a statewide coalition led by Arts Alliance Illinois, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute a historic $50 million in grant money to assist businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sole proprietors in the creative sector that have struggled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DCEO Illinois Creative Recovery Grant application portal opens on Wednesday, April 5. If you operate in the creative space, we encourage you to visit https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/b2b.html for details on eligibility guidelines and more information on how to apply.
Arts Alliance Illinois is your go-to resource for support and tools you need for a successful grant application, including a help desk launching Monday, 3/27, webinars, and more. Visit their website and stay tuned for more information.
What is the IL Creative Recovery Grant Program?
The Back-to-Business Creative Recovery Grant Program (B2B Arts) makes available $50 million inn recovery grants to businesses in the arts and creative sector that experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to concert and theatre venues, performing or presenting arts organizations, arts education organizations, museums, and cultural heritage organizations in Illinois.
Who can apply?
This grant is intended for independent live venue operators, performing or presenting arts organizations, arts education organizations, museums, or cultural heritage organizations that have:
● Experienced business interruption or adverse conditions due to COVID-19
● Been in operation in Illinois since prior to March 12, 2020, and remain in operation
I have more questions, where can I go?
Arts Alliance Illinois has a virtual help desk to provide the support and tools you need to submit a successful application for an Illinois Creative Recovery/B2B Arts Grant.
For more information on eligibility and access to a virtual help desk, visit artsalliance.org/creativerecovery/.