April 1, 2020 – Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new initiative; Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, that will provide immediate relief directly to individual artists and artisans, including stage and production crew members and part-time cultural workers, as well as art organizations, through grants to help those unable to work during this temporary shut-down.
Arts for Illinois is a collaboration between the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and the broader philanthropic community, co-chaired by Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker and Chicago First Lady Amy Eshleman. The new online platform features artists – performers, singers, poets, painters, writers, and many more from across Illinois – who have made their works available for the public’s enjoyment while at home during these challenging times.
Pritzker says this statewide initiative comes at a time of unprecedented strain on the arts and cultural community as a result of COVID-19. Arts for Illinois also launched the Arts For Illinois Relief Fund, which will provide immediate relief directly to individual artists and artisans.
This platform is managed by Arts Alliance Illinois. 3Arts and Arts Work Fund are grantmaking partners responsible for administering grants to artists and arts organizations through the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund during the COVID-19 crisis.
