As funding for the arts faces uncertainty, local artists worry about the future of vital grant programs in Chicago
Chicago: Tonika Lewis Johnson is a name that stands out in the art scene. Her projects are bold and thought-provoking, shining a light on the city’s history and social issues.
She gained recognition with her Folded Map Project, which highlights segregation by comparing addresses from different neighborhoods. It’s a powerful way to show the divide in Chicago.
Recently, local artists like Johnson have relied on grants from the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Events (DCASE). These grants provide essential funding directly to artists, performers, and filmmakers.
However, this year, the future of these grants is uncertain. With COVID-19 relief funds running out and federal arts funding in question, many are left wondering what’s next.
Chicago is currently accepting applications for its direct-to-artist grant program until January 15. Artists and advocates see this program as a crucial support system in a changing arts landscape. Yet, officials haven’t disclosed how much funding will be available this year.
Johnson credits her success to these grants, saying they’ve been vital for her career. She’s currently working on a project called UnBlocked Englewood, aimed at revitalizing a neighborhood affected by past housing injustices.
Her work resonates beyond Chicago, making locals proud and reinforcing the idea that the city is a great place for artists. But creating impactful art isn’t cheap, and ongoing funding is necessary.
“My artistic journey has been shaped by the grants I’ve received,” Johnson shared. Many in the arts community appreciate the shift towards individual artist grants, a change championed by former DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey.
After Harkey was replaced by Clinée Hedspeth, artists made it clear they want the grant programs to continue, regardless of leadership changes.
At a recent budget hearing, a DCASE official expressed hope to maintain the number of grants from previous years. But with a challenging budget cycle ahead, the question remains: How much will Chicago invest in its artists?
The trend of providing direct funding to artists aligns with a national movement. Between 2012 and 2021, individual artist grants from state arts agencies more than tripled.
Chicago’s Individual Artists Program has become highly competitive, with only about 15% to 20% of applicants receiving funding. In 2024, 200 artists will share just over $1 million, a significant increase from previous years.
While DCASE plans to award $9.3 million in grants in 2025, they haven’t specified how much will go to individual artists. This funding is a small part of their overall budget, which is set at $73 million for 2025.
Officials have stated they prioritize projects from under-resourced communities. However, an analysis showed that majority-Black neighborhoods received increasing grant dollars from 2020 to 2023, but that growth didn’t continue in 2024.
Most grant funding has gone to artists on the North Side, with fewer than 10% awarded to those in majority-Latino areas. DCASE is working to improve Latino representation by offering application assistance in Spanish.
Despite the challenges, the Individual Artists Program has thrived, partly due to funding from the Illinois Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Chicago’s grants, capped at $6,000, may not seem like a lot, but they can significantly impact artists’ lives. Anders Zanichkowsky, who weaves burial blankets, used his grant to upgrade his home studio.
“It’s a substantial amount of money,” he said, but he believes the community needs even more support.
For musicians like Ben Kinsinger, receiving grant money feels validating. He used his funding to host unique shows on a concrete island in the Chicago River.
Illinois is also increasing funding for artists statewide. The Illinois Arts Council’s budget for individual grants grew by about $1.5 million for fiscal year 2025, responding to artists’ needs.
They’ve launched the Creative Accelerator Fund, providing $10,000 in general operating support to individual artists. Last year, they received over 1,000 applications for just 130 grants.
While grant dollars are crucial, they come with challenges. Applications can be lengthy and require detailed reporting, which can be a barrier for some artists.
Johnson noted that these requirements can disproportionately affect artists in predominantly Black neighborhoods, where ticket debt is a significant issue.
She hopes the city will maintain grant levels established during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for continued support for artists.
WBEZ reached out to DCASE’s Hedspeth about the importance of grantmaking. She stated that supporting artists is a foundational priority for her.
Looking ahead, Nelson from the Englewood Arts Collective believes the next few years will be crucial for how the arts are valued and supported in Chicago.
WBEZ’s Alden Loury contributed data analysis.
