City of Chicago Announces $11 Million in Recovery Grants for Nonprofit Arts Groups

“In a latest major round of civic funding for Chicago artists, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Thursday announced $11 million in grants for nonprofit arts organizations, including via a new Chicago Arts Recovery Program,” writes Doug George in Thursday’s (2/2) Chicago Tribune . “The money will be distributed two ways: $4.5 million will go to the new program, described in the announcement as aid for arts organizations in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. And $6.5 million will fund the preexisting CityArts Program, which provides operating support ‘for nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines.’ The Department of Cultural Affairs also provided a calendar for funding and next steps in 2023. ‘Nonprofit arts organizations are essential to the fabric of our city,’ Lightfoot said in part in the announcement. ‘This latest program builds upon our ongoing commitment to revitalize and strengthen our city’s diverse arts community.’ Applications are now open for the Chicago Arts Recovery Program, which is supported by American Rescue Plan Act funds.”