Chicago’s Cultural Treasures is a four-year initiative to support our city’s BIPOC-led and -focused arts and culture organizations as they face unprecedented challenges to their decades of leadership and resiliency.
This is not a standard grantmaking initiative.
Yes, there will be general operating grants — but also capacity-building and technical assistance tailored to meet the needs of Chicago’s diverse arts and culture community.
Yes, we will have deadlines and processes, but we will not have a one-size-fits-all approach. We will work with arts and community leaders to co-create programing designed to meet their needs.
Yes, we believe diversity is important, but our true focus is to achieve greater equity in funding art that reflects the full diversity of American culture. Our goal will be to support organizations whose mission is to enable the creation, preservation, and dissemination of art stemming from BIPOC traditions, leadership, and culture.
We know we have a lot to learn from you. We also know that the current crises are compounding the historic inequities faced by arts organizations primarily led by, featuring, and serving people of color. We’re here to listen, plan, and create responsive programming, together.
Letter of Interest Window Opened
Grant Committee Nominations Window Opened
Our grant committee will be comprised of a diverse group of community members, civic leaders, and artists whose common denominator is an appreciation for how art fits into the fabric of community. Learn more.
Deadline: Letter of Interest & Grant Committee Nominations
The deadline is now past. Standby for more information!
Invitations to Apply for Grant Funding
Grant funding will be just one aspect of this initiative. We will remain engaged with the arts and culture community to offer additional opportunities. More details coming soon.
Please sign up for updates about our eligibility, deadlines, and other news about Chicago’s arts and culture grantmaking.