Illinois Arts Council Creative Accelerator Fund

Source Past Recipients

Who Can Apply: Individual artists age 21+ who established Illinois residency before October 14, 2025 and are not enrolled in a degree program
The Focus: Unrestricted support for Illinois artists' creative practice and professional growth, awarded through a randomized selection process with the Illinois State Lottery
The Funding: $10,000 taxable award per recipient
Key Requirements: Salesforce application with updated applicant info, a one-page or two-minute narrative, two work samples with completion dates (2024–2026 and 2023 or prior), and Illinois Driver's License/State ID plus one-year residency verification if the ID was issued after October 14, 2025

DeadlineWednesday, October 14, 2026

Award$10,000 taxable award

Program datesno sooner than January 1, 2027 – August 31, 2027

LocationIL

ParticipationRemote

Disciplinesvisual arts, crafts, design, dance, digital media, film/video, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, folk and traditional arts, community-based arts, media arts, public art

Age range21–

Application notesReasonable accommodations for application procedures can be provided with 3 business days' notice. Work made with A.I. assistance must be explained; no work entirely generated by A.I. is accepted. Applicants may submit only one CAF application per fiscal year. Use Chrome for the Salesforce portal; IAC staff assistance ends at 5pm on deadline days.

Contactiac.info@illinois.gov

Hosted by

Illinois Arts Council

Organization based in Chicago