Pritzker announces relief fund to aid Illinois artists, cultural organizations

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday announced the establishment of the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund to assist artists, artisans and cultural organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than $4 million has been raised for the fund - $1 million from Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events - which will make $1,500 one-time grants available to individual artists and artisans, as well as stage and productions members and part-time cultural workers who have an urgent need.

Grants ranging from $6,000 to $30,000 will be available for not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations through the fund. Individuals and organizations can apply for the grants at artsforillinois.org. The website includes an online platform where artists and performers can make their work available to the public.

"Art matters, but artists matter," said visual artist Amanda Williams at Pritzker's news conference Wednesday. She added that tens of thousands of artists across the state have "been separated from their livelihoods," including visual artists, actors, musicians, dancers, choreographers, playwrights, lighting technicians, stage managers, box office staff and ushers.

"Artists and creatives are resilient," Williams said. "We will not stop challenging, bearing witness and bringing hope. In fact, that's what we know how to do in these moments."

The nonprofit arts and culture sector contributes at least $4 billion annually to the state's economy, according to Arts Alliance Illinois. Responding to a statewide Arts Alliance survey, arts organizations estimated they will lose more than $84 million in revenue due to the suspension of public programs and exhibitions through April 30. In addition, shuttering those organizations has impacted 3,563 full-time and 13,144 part-time/contract jobs.

For artists and organizations affected by the pandemic, a grant from the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund may "help you keep your lights on ... or put food on your table," Williams said.

"We hope this provides some light, some beacon of hope," she said.