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SPARK Grants are an annual, unrestricted award opportunity for Chicago-based visual artists who identify as ALAANA (Asian, Latinx, Arab, African diaspora, Native), an artist with a demonstrated need, an artist with a disability, or as a self-taught or informally trained artist who is striving to make their art practice a primary vocation.
SPARK Grant opens December 14, 2020 and closes February 16, 2021.
How SPARK Works
The SPARK Grant program offers thirty, unrestricted awards of $2,000 each to recognize exceptional artists working in Chicago and to support the advancement of their artistic careers. This grant is generously funded by the Joyce Foundation.
Who should apply
This application is open to:
- Visual artists that identify as (one or more of the following):
- ALAANA (Asian, Latinx, African diaspora, Arab, Native)
- An artist with acute need (individual income less than $44,450/year, family income less than $63,200/year) facing urgent hardship
- An artist with a disability
- A self taught or informally trained artist: an artist who was not formally trained at an art school or degree-granting setting yet is committed to making their art practice a primary vocation
- Ideal candidates show significant promise and dedication towards the advancement of their career as a practicing artist.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- A resident of the City of Chicago
- At least 21 years old
- NOT enrolled in a degree-granting program after June 2021
Selection Process
Submissions will be evaluated by a jury panel of three artists and arts professionals.
Application available here.
2020 Jury
Sampada Aranke
Gloria Talamantes
Derrick Woods-Morrow
Important Dates for 2020-2021
- December 14: Application Opens
- December 14-18: Application Help-Sessions- 5-10 minute phone calls, contact Aileen at aileen[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org] to set up an appointment
- January 6, 2021: Virtual Information Session #1 - 4:00-5:00 PM via Google Meets, open to the public
- February 3, 2021: Application Help Sessions by appointment - 5-10 minute phone calls, contact Aileen at aileen[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org] to set up an appointment
- February 16: Application Closes
- March 2-19: Jury Deliberations
- April: Awardees Notified
Please contact Aileen Cortez, aileen[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org], with questions and for more information.
Consult the FAQ Here
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