DCASE Opportunities
DCASE is excited to announce a new series of Professional Development workshops and events. The program aims to support Chicago's creative community and connect emerging artists to the City of Chicago's most visible festivals, events and cultural programming.

Professional Development Workshops and Events
All events are FREE and do not require advanced registration, unless otherwise noted
Wednesday, February 21, 9:30-11am 
Chicago Cultural Center, Washington Room, 5th Floor South
If you are considering whether Taste of Chicago might be an option for your food business, come hear from other food establishments about their Taste of Chicago experience and learn about the benefits and challenges of vending at the world's largest free food festival.
 
Monday, February 26, 5:30-7pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater, 2nd Floor North
Join cultural grant makers as they share examples of successful grant applications and tips and tricks for presenting your work in ways that will stand out to application reviewers.
 
Tuesday, February 27, 6-8pm
Fosco Park Fieldhouse, 1312 S. Racine Ave. (Free Parking)
DCASE special events and permit staff will offer assistance and answer questions about the City of Chicago's 2018 Permit Package & Resource Guide.
 
 
Saturday, March 10, 6-9pm
West Point Baptist Church, 3566 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
In anticipation of the upcoming Chicago Gospel Music Festival, DCASE presents a special live performance of emerging Chicago-based gospel music artists as they perform in front of a panel of industry executives. Enjoy the hottest new music and root on the local talent trying to earn a spot at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival.
 
Monday, March 12, 5:30-7pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater, 2nd Floor North
The DCASE special events and permit team will host a conversation with the city's leading festival producers to talk about building a successful neighborhood event.
 
 
Monday, March 26, 10-11:30am
Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park Room, 5th Floor South
DCASE City Markets manager Yescenia Mota will give an overview of opportunities available through the City markets program as well as available resources.



Presented By:
COUNTRY Financial 
Grants
Applications are now open for arts organizations for all sizes!
Application deadline is February 28 at 5pm  
This year's CityArts program includes opportunities to apply for general operating grants for arts organizations of all sizes, as well as Project Grants in alignment with the City of Chicago's Year of Creative Youth for organizations with budgets under $2 million. For guidelines and applications, visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.

Volunteer Opportunities 
Summer is just a few months away... Share your love of Chicago's culture, history and architecture by volunteering with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events - at Millennium Park (new), Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center and Clarke House Museum. Our volunteers provide visitor information, assist with events and lead tours. To learn more and request an application, email DCASE.Volunteers@cityofchicago.org.
 
Calls For Arts Organizations and Businesses 
Application deadline is February 28 
Applications are now open for Restaurants and Eateries interesting in participating in the 2018 Taste of Chicago. The world's largest free food festival has been incorporating more cultural elements, increasing music offerings and bringing more diversity to Chicago's favorite summer event, resulting in record attendance and sales. Don't miss this opportunity to reach new customers and gain marketing exposure. Guidelines and online application are available at tasteofchicago.us.
 
Application deadline is February 24 
Chicago City Markets invites farmers and food vendors to apply to sell at the City Markets across the city including the longest-running farmers market in Chicago at Daley Plaza and the historic Maxwell Street Market. Guidelines and application are available at chicagofarmersmarkets.us.




Presented By:
COUNTRY Financial 
Accepted for programs occurring in 2018 
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have designated 2018 as the "Year of Creative Youth", a citywide initiative to celebrate Chicago youth in the arts and the mentors who inspire them. The new Year of Creative Youth website includes resources and event highlights from across Chicago's youth arts community. Youth arts organizations are invited to submit youth performances, events or opportunities occurring in Chicago for the website or other channels. Submit your content for consideration today at cityofchicago.org/yocy!
 
Calls for Artists
Ongoing calls for artists and performers are listed on the DCASE website at cityofchicago.org/dcase.

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