2026 Skokie Storefront Artist Fellowship

The Skokie Storefront Artist Fellowship program invites one artist to develop new work in a supportive, community-minded environment. Located at 4051 Main St. in the heart of Skokie, The Storefront offers a flexible space for exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public events.

This fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend as well as support from Village staff. The fellowship recipient will have the opportunity to engage with the community, and will mount a culminating project, such as an exhibition, performance, or installation at The Storefront, Skokie's new art and small business incubator space.

Goals

• Support the development of original work by emerging or established artists.
• Encourage experimentation and interdisciplinary work.
• Strengthen connections between artists and the Skokie community.
• Activate The Storefront as a vibrant public space for creativity and dialogue.

What We Provide

• $5,000 Artist stipend
• The use of The Storefront for creating and presenting work
• Marketing and production support for the final event
• Access to Village resources and networks, including partnerships with local schools, organizations and artists

Artist Commitments

• Develop a new or significantly expanded body of work during the residency
• Present a final public event at The Storefront (exhibit, concert, performance, or equivalent)
• Lead at least one public engagement activity, such as a workshop, artist talk, or community discussion
• Collaborate with staff to make programming accessible and welcoming to a broad audience

Who Should Apply
We welcome proposals from visual artists, musicians, dancers, writers, theater makers, sound artists, and creatives working across disciplines. Artists at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and available for in- person programming in Skokie Illinois. This fellowship opportunity is open to all creatives - preference will be given to artists that are Skokie community members.
Artists from historically underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Timeline

• Application Opens: Monday, November 24, 2025
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Notification Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
• Fellowship period: End of January through May
• Final Event: By the end of May

Selection Criteria

Artists will be selected based on:

• Strength and originality of their past work
• Feasibility and vision of the proposed project
• Potential to engage and connect with the community
• Alignment with The Storefront’s mission to foster creativity, equity and dialogue