Jamey Lundblad Deputy Commissioner at City of Chicago DCASE | LinkedIn
Jamey Lundblad Deputy Commissioner at City of Chicago DCASE | LinkedIn
More than 300 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Chicago will receive over $6 million in general operating support through the CityArts program in 2025, according to an announcement from Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). The number of grantees has grown from about 200 in 2021 to approximately 300 this year.
Mayor Johnson stated, “The arts are essential to the soul of our city and to the health of our neighborhoods. Through the CityArts program, we are uplifting the creativity and resilience that define Chicago. These grants help ensure that every community has access to the transformative power of art, while supporting the organizations that make Chicago’s cultural landscape second to none.”
DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt added, “CityArts grants are an investment in the people and organizations that fuel creativity and inspire connection. By prioritizing general operating support, we are strengthening the foundation for artists and cultural organizations in every neighborhood to grow, thrive and continue making Chicago a world-class city for the arts.”
The CityArts program supports nonprofit organizations across Chicago by providing funding that helps sustain a diverse cultural ecosystem. This year’s recipients include both renewals (184) and new awardees (119), reflecting a continued increase compared with last year’s total of 279 grantees.
Recipients represent a wide range of artistic disciplines. Among them are Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Hyde Park Art Center, National Museum of Mexican Art, Red Clay Dance Company, True Star Foundation, Kuumba Lynx, Intonation Music, League of Chicago Theatres Foundation, and others.
Since 2021, CityArts’ budget has expanded significantly—from $1.7 million to $7.5 million at its peak with federal American Recovery Plan funds in 2023—and now stands at $6 million for both 2024 and 2025. DCASE increased grant amounts after feedback from its community outreach initiative identified general operating support as a top priority for nonprofits.
Of this year’s grantees, forty-four percent are based on Chicago’s South and West sides as part of efforts toward geographic equity. Most recipients—81 percent—have annual revenues under $1 million.
A full list of recipients is available on DCASE's website.
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