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.

Grants
Applications Open October 1, 2018
DCASE is pleased to announce the timeline for the 2019 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant cycle. IAP grants aim to assist Chicago's professional artists in creating work that elevates their careers and brings value to the City of Chicago. The application will open and guidelines will become available on October 1, 2018. The application deadline is November 15, 2018 at 5:00pm CST. Applicants are encouraged to attend an Application Assistance Workshop. For eligibility requirements, grant calendar and to RSVP for workshops please visit chicagoculturalgrants.org.

  

Conference for Culture Workers
September 24-27, 2018
DCASE is proud to be a conference partner for the 21st edition of Communicating the Museum, coming to Chicago for the first time next month. Hosted by the Chicago History Museum and The Art Institute of Chicago, with significant participation from a dozen more Chicago cultural institutions, this globally-recognized conference brings together senior level staff from all over the globe to discuss critical issues and best practices for cultural organizations. We expect a robust attendance for the Chicago conference with 300-350 senior level staff from more than 150 institutions. Join us for 4 days of talks, debates and tours, and celebrate the best in the sector at the International Design and Communications Awards ceremony. Learn more and register online. (Use code CTMCHIDCA2 for 30% off.)

  

Calls for Artists
Deadline: Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 5pm
The City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) invites Chicagoland-based artists and bands to apply for the 2018 ChicagoMade A&R Auditions, taking place in downtown Chicago on Saturday, October 27, 2018. A limited number of artists will be chosen to showcase their work live in front of A&R (Artist & Repertoire) executives from major and independent record labels to be considered for the following possible opportunities*:  
 
  • a talent consultation with Radio's Disney Network's Phil Guerini, with possible performance opportunity on a Radio Disney-hosted show and/or an on-air interview and "First Listen" of your song on Radio Disney"
  •  a meeting with in Nashville, TN, with a Big Machine Label Group A&R staff member
  • performance opportunities at the 2019 Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, Chicago.

In conjunction with Chicago's Year of Creative Youth, designated by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, this year's ChicagoMade A&R Auditions will reduce the minimum age requirement to age 14, allowing younger artists to participate as well as adults.  

 

Apply Online

  

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11:59pm, CST
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Fleet and Facility Management (2FM) invites professional artists and artist teams to submit their qualifications for a public art design project in response to sites along Riverwalk East, located on the south bank of the Chicago River, between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. Through the Riverwalk East Public Art Design Project, artists at the height of their field will develop ambitious, innovative design proposals that activate and enhance this beloved natural amenity and recreation area. For more information, visit cityofchicago.org/dcase.

  

Arts Educator Opportunities
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-12:30pm, 2 groups per day - maximum 30 students in each group

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. 

DCASE is now offering a free guided Exhibition Exploration especially for Elementary and High School groups.  Delve into current exhibitions and explore the Chicago Cultural Center, Learning Lab and Millennium Park!

  

Register Online. Please note in the comment section whether you are interested in an Exhibition Exploration or Building Tour.

 

Calls For Arts Organizations and Businesses 
Deadline is Friday, September 28 at 4pm, CST
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.  
The City of Chicago under the leadership and vision of Mayor Emanuel has transformed the Chicago River into a recreational destination and has weaved the life of the river into the urban fabric of the city. The Chicago Riverwalk is a bustling hub of activity, offering a variety of venues and spaces for residents and visitors to eat, drink and play. The goal of the concession program is to showcase the best small businesses of the City's vibrant and culturally diverse communities. RFQ materials are available at chicagoriverwalk.us
 
Chicago City Markets invites local entrepreneurs and artisans to apply to vend at one of Chicago's vibrant neighborhood City Markets. Markets are located in North Lawndale, Roseland and Austin. Applications are available at chicagofarmersmarkets.us.
 
DCASE is always accepting new vendors at the Maxwell Street Market. Information is available at maxwellstreetmarket.us.
    
 
   
Presented by:
COUNTRY Financial 
DCASE produces Chicago's largest free festivals including Taste of Chicago, Chicago Blues Festival and Chicago Jazz Festival plus a variety of other festivals and events throughout the year. Our goal is to engage companies, agencies and other partners to add value to the City's events while bringing brands directly to local consumers to increase brand awareness, generate valuable press exposure, drive traffic and sales, and build customer loyalty. To learn more about partnership opportunities, visit chicagopartnerships.com or email at [email protected]
 
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 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!

Lead Sponsor:
Allstate_ Good Starts Young  
City Seal_ DCASE logo