Illinois has $50 million for artists, arts organizations sidelined by COVID-19
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — To help artists and art-related organizations and businesses recover income lost during pandemic years, the State of Illinois has $50 million in available grants.
The money is meant to replace income lost to the state’s creative community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is called the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant Program (ICR) or Back to Business Arts (B2B Arts). Funding comes from federal sources through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and is administered by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
The Springfield Area Arts Council is reaching out to artists and arts-related businesses and organizations across central Illinois to reach all possible grant recipients by the May 10 application deadline.
“We are eager to help get this money into deserving pockets,” said Sheila Walk, executive director of the Arts Council.
The outreach coordinator in Springfield is Ayla McDonald who can be reached at 217-753-3519 or director@springfieldartsco.org.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 will be available to any eligible individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations in the creative sector that were registered with the state prior to March 2020.
Funding is guaranteed for all eligible applicants who submit proper documentation, regardless of application date, before the deadline. The ICR grant application portal opens on April 5, and applications will be accepted until 11:59 P.M. on May 10.
Click here to apply.
