What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Illinois Arts Council, 115 S. LaSalle Street , Ste. 2202, Chicago, IL (2026)

02/03/2026

Opportunity:
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts - VLAA

FREE TAX PREPARATION FOR ARTISTS
March 2 and 3 at the St. Louis Artists' Guild, 12 Jackson Ave., in Clayton, MO
4:00 to 6:00 PM by appointment only
In collaboration with the STL Tax Counselors

Space is VERY limited. Please book now.
To make an appointment, send an email to vlaa@vlaa.org.
Please include your name and cell phone number.

Note: Sorry, the STL Tax Counselors team cannot assist you if you had income over $65,000, depreciation, cost of goods sold, paid employees, S Corporation, or foreign income.
The VLAA serves eastern Missouri, including Boone County, and Southwest Illinois. Not in their service area? Find assistance here: www.vlaa.org/get-help/other-vlas/

Email them for more details. Registrants must gather necessary paperwork and complete helpful provided worksheets in advance.

02/03/2026

DEADLINE REMINDER:
Opportunity for Artists:
Applications are open for the Mandel Cultural Leadership Program
/ Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership

The fellowship supports artists who are advancing the boundaries of culture and galvanizing action on a range of social issues through their work. The two-year program fosters a rigorous learning community of artists who instigate work that is courageous, boundary-breaking, intellectually curious, and rooted in the richness of Jewish history and culture.

The fellowship includes:
● An intensive curriculum comprised of five in-person seminars, bi-monthly virtual meetings, and an individualized course plan to develop skills and knowledge.
● Dedicated work with an advisor to advance creative work or research.
● A $40,000 stipend over 2 years, which will support time in the fellowship’s educational program and independent work on a creative project.

Eligible candidates include, but are not limited to: musicians, visual artists, dancers, actors, writers, filmmakers, and multidisciplinary artists, as well as a range of cultural producers, such as designers, podcasters, and programmers. More information on the application, selection process, and seminar dates can be found here: https://bit.ly/4a58n8e

Deadline: February 13, 2026, 11:59pm PT
More info: mandelinstitute.org

02/03/2026

Illinois Arts Council Announces Fiscal Year 2027 General Operating Support Grant Application Opening

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) General Operating Support (GOS) application. GOS includes optional application questions for IAC’s Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grant. The GOS, with optional YEA, deadline is Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:59pm.
The application must be submitted via IAC’s Salesforce grant portal.

GOS Grants are offered to eligible not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Successful applicants demonstrate ongoing arts programs and a strong commitment to making artistic programs accessible and relevant to a diverse range of participants.

YEA Grants provide up to $4,500 to GOS recipients to support youth employment opportunities in their organization throughout the year. Youth employees may be between the ages of 14 and 22. Organizations may request funds for up to 4 youth employees. Duties may be administrative or artistic in nature, or a combination of both.

Please review the GOS with YEA webpage for eligibility requirements and guidelines, which will provide full instructions. Pre-recorded webinars, with transcripts, are available on IAC’s Workshops and Webinars webpage that walk through the application process.

The IAC will also host five “Drop-In'' sessions to answer any questions you may have. Drop-in sessions are one-hour sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the participating Program Staff and get answers in real time. Drop-ins do not require pre-registration. Simply click the link at the time of the meeting to join the call via WebEx.

Visit the GOS with YEA webpage for details:
www.arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/general-operating-support.html

For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director:
www.arts.illinois.gov/about-iac/staff/grant-staff-locator.html

02/02/2026

Opportunity for Artists:
Side Street Studio Arts /

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEB 8th! SUBMIT YOUR ART!
Submit for Side Street Studio's YEAR 13 Anniversary show

This is a juried exhibition with over $500 in prize money and prize packs for artists that get the most votes from the audience. This is an annual juried call to all artists working in any medium to participate.

Exhibition runs March 6th - March 29th
Opening Reception on March 6th, 6-9pm

Questions? Contact: info@sidestreetstudioarts.org or call 847.429.2276

Side Street Studios is located at 15 Ziegler Court, Downtown Elgin, IL

$18 per submission - SSSA Members are free.

Follow the link for more information and to apply:
www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/callsforart

02/02/2026

REMINDER - happening tomorrow late afternoon!
FY 2027 Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS) Drop-In #3: February 3, 2026, 4:00PM

Drop-ins are an open hour with IAC Program staff to come with any questions you have about the grant program or application and get answers on the call.

Creative Learning Grants for Schools supports arts learning opportunities in Illinois schools. The goal of this grant is to enable schools to acquire supplies, materials, equipment, or services from Illinois artists or arts organizations that are needed to address student needs for arts learning opportunities.

Opened: January 7, 2026
Deadline: February 18, 2026

Please visit our website and click the link to join the meeting when it is time:
www.arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/creative-learning-grants-for-schools.html

01/30/2026

The IAC Muse Featured Illinois Artist Spotlight
Christine Steyer, FY26 Creative Accelerator Fund Recipient

Christine Steyer, 2020 Honored Artist of The American Prize, has distinguished herself as a soprano, music advocate, librettist, and producer. Renowned for portrayals of operatic heroines, she sang in 40 productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago and is a committed recitalist championing works by contemporary women poets and composers.

In 2021 she premiered the role of a healthcare worker in the award-winning opera On Call: COVID-19; in 2022 she premiered Flanna in Future Perfect, serving as librettist for both. More recently she has been featured in Elijah, Speed Dating Tonight, and Le dernier sorcier. Her 2026 season includes music by Jake Heggie and the role of the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro. Beyond performance, Steyer has brought music to more than 26,000 young people, co founded the vocal alliance Working in Concert, and serves as Artistic Director of its Bellissima Opera initiative.

Grateful for support from the IAC, Steyer says, “The IAC Accelerator Grant is invaluable in supporting the range of projects I’m currently working on.” Those projects include a new opera libretto, And I Did Not Speak Out, exploring silence in the face of fascism; music videos of original songs co created with French composer pianist Jean Claude Orfali; recordings of songs by Chicago based composers including Florence Price and Ernst Bacon; and development of a new Bellissima Music in the Schools curriculum featuring songs by Hispanic and American composers.

“IAC funding supports both out-of-pocket expenses and the countless hours musicians devote to projects from inception to fruition. This grant acknowledges the value artists bring to enrich and inspire their communities.”

If you want to receive more stories like this, consider signing up for our Muse Newsletter! Visit our homepage and look for CONNECT WITH US

Photo by John Gress

01/27/2026

Opportunity for Sculptors/Professional 3-D artists:
The 2026 OAK PARK SCULPTURE WALK – Call For Artists is now OPEN!
Oak Park Area Arts Council /
Deadline to submit is February 22, 2026

On behalf of the Village of Oak Park, the Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAAC) is seeking artists to temporarily display their work in the Oak Park Sculpture Walk.

Sculptures or installation works will be part of the outdoor exhibits in the Oak Park Arts District, the Downtown Oak Park Business District and the Pleasant District.

At the conclusion of the event, the Village may consider the purchase of a piece for its permanent collection. The Village of Oak Park has purchased art work from participants of its previous sculpture walks. Sculptures must remain in place for the duration of the exhibit – May 16, 2026 through April 10, 2027. All participating artists will receive an honorarium of $2,000. Half will be paid upon signing the contract and the balance will be paid at installation.

For more information and to apply, follow the link: https://tinyurl.com/4uxut23k

Questions Contact: info@oakparkareaartscouncil.org

01/26/2026

Opportunity for Fiber Artists:
/ 40 North 88 West
/ Urbana Arts and Culture Program rugs
DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS DUE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Fiber February | A Collective Exhibition with Weekly Workshops and Events
Are you a local fiber artist looking to display your work in a local gallery space and/or get paid to lead a workshop and share your craft? Apply to be woven into the second year of Fiber February!

All fiber techniques and mediums are welcome to apply, as long as the work is original. This show is meant to highlight a variety of local talent with a common thread and provide free and accessible art education to the community.

Last year, they had 50 pieces in the show represented by 20+ artists - check out the Fiber February 2025 Recap!

When: February 7–28, 2026
Where: Analog Wine Library in Urbana, IL (open Thurs–Sat)

Install: Saturday, 2/7 - Noon–4pm
(Earlier drop-off can be coordinated at High in Fiber Rugs in Lincoln Square Mall Monday 2/2–Friday 2/6)
Opening Reception: Friday, 2/7 - 5–9pm

Artwork on display can be made available for sale with a 20% commission to the venue, but must remain part of the exhibition through 2/28.

DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS DUE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Follow the link for more information (IG users, copy & paste the link into your web browser): www.docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSzqzvaMagKJLHqNYqtGYACJjG4HvyheBSBKeHDKfmfZi-Zg/viewform

Organized by Brittany Heyen (.rugs), paid for in part by the City of Urbana Arts and Culture Grant.
Please email brittanyheyen@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

01/26/2026

Opportunity for Individuals and Nonprofit Organizations:
Illinois Humanities /

Project Grants Letters of Intent are open!
The Illinois Humanities is funding creative, audience‑building humanities projects across Illinois.

Apply by Feb 13, 2026, 5:00pm, for up to $4,000 in support.

Individuals and nonprofit organizations rooted in their communities are invited to apply for Project Grants supporting innovative digital humanities work, audience engagement, and audience growth.
From oral histories to filmmaking, these projects strengthen connection, expand who gets to participate in the humanities, and help us all learn new ways to grow and engage our communities.

For more details, follow the link: www.ilhumanities.org/grants/project-grants

01/23/2026

The IAC was mentioned in a story about Gen Z employees are giving arts and culture organizations a glow up thanks to the IAC's Youth Employment in the Arts program. Many thanks to Arts Midwest / - we are honored!

To read about 'What Happens When Teens Are Paid to Work in Arts?' by Jennifer Vosters, regarding Harambe International Inc. in East St Louis, and their recent YEA grant that allowed them to expand their summer camp for teens in public housing, follow the link: www.artsmidwest.org/stories/youth-employment-in-the-arts-illinois

01/23/2026

The IAC Muse Featured Illinois Arts Organization - The Egyptian Theatre, FY26 General Operating Support Recipient

The Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, Illinois, is a testament to both the cultural and architectural heritage of the state. Owned and operated by Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc., since 1978, this historic theatre first opened its doors in 1929. Its mission is to preserve its historical integrity while serving as a regional arts center that fosters community involvement. The Egyptian Theatre's vision is to be a cherished gathering place that enriches the local community culturally and economically. Recognized for its architectural significance, the theater was named a Top 20 Illinois Architectural Treasure in 2018 and has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Award for "Best Nonprofits to Work For" by The NonProfit Times.

On Saturday, February 7th, at 7 PM, the Egyptian Theatre will host its 9th Annual Jazz Night, a celebration of local talent and community spirit. This event will feature performances by Jazz in Progress, DeKalb High School Jazz Ensemble, Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble, and the famed NIU Jazz Orchestra. The evening promises a vibrant display of musical artistry, with proceeds benefiting the music programs at the participating high schools and Northern Illinois University. It’s a cherished tradition that underscores the theater's commitment to supporting local education and the arts.

Jeanine Holcomb, the Marketing & Communications Director for the Egyptian Theatre, highlights the impact of community support, stating, “Support from the Illinois Arts Council plays a vital role in our ability to offer diverse programming and give back to our community. Because of this partnership, the Egyptian Theatre can continue serving as both a historic venue and a community resource for arts, education, and connection.”

If you want to receive more stories like this, consider signing up for our Muse Newsletter! Visit our homepage and look for CONNECT WITH US

Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble, pictured.

Illinois Arts Council

02/03/2026

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Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm