Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot launch Arts for Illinois Relief Fund

The City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the broader philanthropic community are teaming up to provide financial assistance to artists, artisans and cultural organizations impacted by COVID-19.

Launched April 1, the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund (AIRF) is a statewide initiative that began accepting grant applications “for artists, artisans and cultural organizations” April 1,  according to a press release from the Mayor’s office. Funded by public and private sources, it has received $4 million in commitments to date.

“The arts and cultural community is deeply embedded in the fabric of Chicago. Our cultural institutions – from the one-room artist studio to the 1,500-seat theater – employ artists, back office staff, ushers, curators, ticket takers and others,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman. “Many artists supplement their work by providing arts education in our schools. All of these individuals contribute to the City’s vibrant arts and cultural sector, which has been temporarily halted.” 

Eligible disciplines include dance, film & media arts, interdisciplinary, literary arts, music, teaching arts, theater, and visual arts and design. To learn more about how individuals as well as organizations can receive funding, visit artsforillinois.org/donate-and-apply

AIRF financial contributors to date include the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE), Walder Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and more than a dozen additional funders. 

The effort’s ongoing fundraising activities will be co-chaired by First Lady MK Pritzker and First Lady Amy Eshleman, with support from other civic leaders, according to the release. Individuals, corporations and charitable foundations are encouraged to donate to the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund by visiting www.artsforillinois.org.