Please Support the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund
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The global pandemic is having an enormous economic impact on our local arts community. The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are aggressively exploring financial supports for this sector, and to that end Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker recently launched the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund alongside Arts Alliance Illinois and Chicago's remarkable philanthropic community. The fund - providing relief to workers and organizations in the creative industries - has now raised over $5 million (including $1 million contributed by DCASE) from generous foundations and individuals to support artists, artisans and cultural organizations impacted by COVID-19.
If you are able to support the arts at this crucial moment, please visit the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund at www.artsforillinois.org. To help meet the unprecedented need, we are hoping to raise another $65,000 in grassroots donations before funding applications reopen on Monday, May 4. All of the donated funds will go directly to artists and arts organizations through the grantmaking partners 3Arts and Arts Work Fund.
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COVID-19 Arts Community Resources
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Year of Chicago Music Continues
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Due to the cancellation of several major music festivals, Mayor Lightfoot and DCASE will extend the 2020 Year of Chicago Music into 2021 to amplify the excitement and momentum building across the local industry.
Recognizing that the music industry has moved to #DoStuffAtHome, DCASE has partnered with Do312 to launch a new listing of Year of Chicago Music Virtual Concerts to highlight the local music venues and musicians sharing "Music in the Key of Chicago." If you're hosting a virtual concert or music event, please send information and an image to [email protected]. And don't miss as local artists take over @ChicagosMayor Instagram each Sunday in May for live performances benefiting the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. This Sunday enjoy music by Luciano Antonio (10am), Opal Staples (Noon) and DJ Ayana Contreras (5-7pm).
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Mayor Lightfoot and DCASE recently awarded the 2020 Individual Artists Program grants (ranging from $850 to $5,000) to 158 Chicago-based artists, 66 of which are from the music sector - and, new this year, $10,000 Esteemed Artist Awards to 13 individuals including 7 musicians. Please join us in congratulating them.
Later this year through the 2020 CityArts Program, DCASE will award well over $1 million in grants to cultural organizations who need our support now more than ever. Visit chicagoculturalgrants.org for updates.
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DCASE Team Supports City's COVID-19 Response
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Did you know over 40% of DCASE staff have been deployed to assist with the City's COVID-19 response? While working diligently to provide supports for the arts community and at-home cultural programming, we've also been helping with food distribution, volunteer management, media response and more.
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Venue Closures and Event Cancellations
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Following recommendations from the CDC and the guidance of City and State officials, DCASE has announced the following:
Plans for summer programming and events remain under discussion. The City of Chicago will continue to work closely with our partners at the State to adopt protocols based on the recommendations and guidance of health experts. Please refer to the Chicago Department of Public Health's website chicago.gov/coronavirus, for the latest local updates on the response to COVID-19. |
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