Opportunities for Artists and Arts Organizations
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Career Opportunities |
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.
For more information on the following opportunities and to apply, visit Chicago.gov/Careers and search for the job number.
Cultural Affairs Coordinator II, Production (Job Number: 379659)
Application Closing Date: Thursday, June 8, 2023, 11:59pm CDT
Number of Positions: 1
The Cultural Affairs Coordinator II, Production position within the Operations Division works to produce Farmers Markets, special events and festivals managed by DCASE and the City of Chicago. The position works with community organizers, farmers, artisan vendors, artists, city contractors, event specialists and various technicians to produce high quality farmers markets, special events and festivals at the Chicago Cultural Center, outdoor spaces, and other venues throughout the City.
Cultural Affairs Coordinator II, Chicago Film Office Division (Job Number: 382635)
Application Closing Date: Friday, June 16, 2023, 11:59pm CDT
Number of Positions: 1
This position will serve the needs of the local film and media industry and be its advocate. This includes the local community of filmmakers, advocacy organizations, festivals, distributors, and independent film and media venues. In addition, the position will be a liaison with city government to create professional development tools and opportunities for convening and networking; collect and share industry data and promote filmmaking in Chicago, locally and nationally; and facilitate permit and operation concerns on behalf of local film and media productions.
Opportunities |
Special Events Permit Application
DCASE processes Special Events applications for outdoor festivals, street and art/craft fairs and athletic events. Special Event Permits will be issued but are subject to change based on updated health and safety guidelines from either the City of Chicago or State of Illinois. All events must follow guidelines in place at the time of the event. For more information and to apply online, visit our Special Events Permit Application website.
Performing Arts Music, Dance, and Theater Programming Submissions 2024
Are you an artist or arts organizations interested in participating in 2024 DCASE Performing Arts Music Festival, Dance, and Theater programming? Due to the volume of responses, applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Should an opportunity arise for partnership, you will be contacted directly by a member of the DCASE Performing Arts Programming Team. Artist submissions for 2023 programming are currently closed.
Meet an Artist – Aquil "AQ" Charlton
Chicago Cultural Center’s Learning Lab, 1st Floor South
June 1 – August 31, 2023
Second and Fourth Fridays & Saturdays, 12-2pm
Summer Artist In Residence, Aquil "AQ" Charlton, is a musician, teaching artist, and leader of public studio and instrument making workshops. Aquil is an active member of Mobile Music Box and the Mobilize Creative Collaborative. During this residency AQ will be making additions to his Mobile Music Box workshop vehicle on site. Join us for some great DIY instrument making workshops and jam sessions with other collaborating artists. For more information, visit ChicagoCulturalCenter.org.
Corporate Sponsorship Consultant Request for Proposal (“RFP”)
Deadline for Proposals: Thursday, July 27, 3pm, CST
Pre-Proposal Conference: Thursday, June 22, 11am
The City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide corporate sponsorship consultant services. For more information and to download the bid documents, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.
Jumping Jack Program Applications Now Open
Each year, the Jumping Jack Program delights children across Chicago. This inflatable playground, provided by DCASE, is available for FREE. The program runs from Saturday, May 27 through Sunday, September 3, 2023. More information.
Chicago Recovery Plan
Cash Assistance & Funding Opportunities
On February 2, The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced a new round of applications for $500 direct cash payments through the Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0. Chicago residents who make a living as domestic workers or who missed COVID stimulus due to immigration status, can now apply. More information, including application details, at chicash.org.
The Department of Planning and Development is now accepting applications for the following programs: Community Development Grants; Climate Infrastructure Fund; Equitable Transit-Oriented Development; and Community Wealth Building Grants.
Apply for the Small Business Improvement Fund
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF), offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.
SBIF is offered to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties. Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30% and 90% of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid. To learn about eligibility, attend an information session, and apply, please visit Chicago.gov/SBIF.
May's prioritized geographies are the following TIF districts (the districts change each month):
P.A.R.T.Y. (Public Art Reimagining Tour with You)
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has launched an initiative to develop a Public Art Vision Plan for each INVEST South/West neighborhood. Each plan will outline public art themes, types, and locations unique to each neighborhood, contributing to its revitalization.
To get involved and stay up to speed, please visit: www.iswpublicart.org.
Call for Submissions: “Now Playing...Sights & Sounds” in the Learning Lab
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
The Learning Lab at the Chicago Cultural Center is an interactive studio that offers sights, sounds, and experiences for visitors of all ages and a wide range of abilities. Reinvigorated by design team Made in Englewood.
Organizations and artists from around the world are invited to submit their work to play in the sound dome and projection wall in the Learning Lab. For more information visit: "Now Playing...Sights & Sounds" in the Learning Lab.
City of Chicago Mural Registry
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
DCASE manages the City of Chicago Mural Registry, a publicly-accessible database documenting the growing collection of murals across the city on both private and public property. Artists, organizations and property owners are encouraged to register completed murals by submitting an application. For more information about the registration, application and process, visit chicago.gov/muralregistry.
Nominate a Neighborhood Cultural Spotlight for 2023
Chicago Cultural Center, Welcome Center, 1st Floor North
Neighborhood Cultural Spotlights feature people, places and things nominated and recognized for a cultural contribution to their neighborhood’s vitality, and celebrates cultural assets in Chicago’s varied and vibrant 77 community areas.
Neighborhood Cultural Spotlights can be given to your local puppeteer, the house on the block with sculptural installations in the yard, the neighborhood culture compiler who sends out a newsletter, or the local arts supporter who your community relies upon, etc.
Know a person, place or thing in your neighborhood that deserves a Neighborhood Cultural Spotlight? Nominate now https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QVZ87LV
Check out the current Neighborhood Cultural Spotlights in the Welcome Center and then nominate your favorite neighborhood cultural asset!
Culture In My Neighborhood
Announced as part of the Arts77 recovery and reopening plan, Culture In My Neighborhood is a unique partnership between the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Chicago Park District, and Chicago Public Library to advance Mayor Lightfoot’s vision for equitable access to the arts in all of Chicago’s 77 community areas. This $40 million collaborative initiative supports cultural programming at the Chicago Cultural Center, 18 Chicago Park District neighborhood cultural centers, and the Chicago Public Library regional libraries — through grants and commission opportunities for artists and organizations. Visit the DCASE, Park District, and Library websites to find free arts activities near you. Learn more at CultureInMyNeighborhood.org and join the conversation on social media using #CultureInMyNeighborhood.
Volunteer for DCASE
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Share your love of Chicago’s culture, history and architecture by volunteering with DCASE. With DCASE you will connect guests (Chicagoans and visitors alike) with some of the city’s cultural treasures, such as Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, Clarke House Museum and the Taste of Chicago. Volunteers help in a variety of ways: leading tours, providing information, greeting and wayfinding at events and more. Information and application at dcasevoluntours.org.
Call for Corporate Partners
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 chicagopartnerships@cityofchicago.org.
Resources |
City Marketing Assets + Resource Guide
Access a partial list of City of Chicago Marketing Assets available to the local arts industry. This was compiled by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) for its Performing Arts Convening: Marketing and Audience Development, held October 26, 2022. Download the guide (PDF).