Grants for women artists in Illinois can open a world of creativity.
Receiving an arts grant can be a high point in an artist's career. Many artists hold down a full-time job and work on creative projects on the side. A grant can allow an artist to focus on a creative project or building her business without worrying about money.
Women artists in Illinois are encouraged to apply for Illinois Individual Artists Grants. Some national grants are available only to women artists, including the Shirley Holden Helberg Grants for Mature Women.
Professional Development Award
The Individual Artist Professional Development Award, part of the Illinois Arts Council's Individual Artist Support Grant program, is open to women. The grant was implemented to encourage artists to produce a project or a body of work to be shown to the public. The award is $500 or $750, and no cash match is required.
This grant is available to artists interested in building a career with their art, such as developing a website, attending a residency or marketing a project. Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years old and legal residents of Illinois for the 12 months prior to the application deadline. Applications are due Feb. 1.
Illinois Arts Council
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St., Suite 10-500
Chicago, IL 60601
312-814-6750
arts.illinois.gov
Artist Project Track Grant
The Individual Artist Project Track Grant, part of the Illinois Arts Council's Individual Artist Support Grants program, is open to women. Applicants are supported in the creation, production and presentation of their work. Grants of $2,000, $3,500 or $5,000 are awarded, and a 25 percent cash match is required.
This grant is available to artists who are ready to show their work in exhibitions, performances or readings, music studio recording, media arts productions or book publication and marketing. Applicants must be U.S. residents at least 18 years old and legal residents of Illinois for the 12 months preceding the application deadline. Applications are due Feb. 1.
Illinois Arts Council
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St., Suite 10-500
Chicago, IL 60601
312-814-6750
arts.illinois.gov
Shirley Holden Helberg Grants for Mature Women
The Shirley Holden Helberg Grants for Mature Women program is open nationally to female artists, sculptors and photographers over age 35. The grant award is $1,000.
Applicants in any medium other than photography must send three color prints of their work. Photography applicants can send either color or black-and-white prints. Applicants must include a cover letter with name, postal address, phone number and email address. Applicants must also write a letter of intent. The application fee is $10. Application deadline is Jan. 31.
American Pen Woman
Jo Anne Durham
4300 Plantation Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76116
americanpenwomen.org
Tags: Illinois Arts, Applicants must, Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council, Individual Artist