Dr. Timuel Black Inspiration and Education Project
The Artist Response Program grant is part of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ Arts 77 initiative.
We’re happy to announce our selection as an Artist Response Program grant recipient from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events! This funding will help us bring the joy and power of jazz music to our communities while re-igniting the economic platform for Chicago musicians. Through this project, the JIC will select and award specialized grants to musicians whose proposals engage with select Chicago neighborhoods of their choosing to provide music and programming. The project will include formalized and pop-up educational workshops and classes, performances and other collective creative opportunities. The JIC has named the program for Dr. Timuel Black who continues his lifelong efforts in the African American community, including serving on the board of the JIC at the age of 102.
Five $10,000 grants will be awarded to artists who present new works that are inspired and informed by the cultural legacy of Chicago’s south and west side neighborhoods. Successful proposals will address the following three criteria:
Community
Priority will be given to artists whose proposals serve Chicago South and West side neighborhoods that capture the essence of community engagement through listening and working directly with residents, local arts or social service organizations, civic leaders, and businesses.
Education
Quality proposals will include a workshop or workshops (1-4) that engage students and/or adults in learning about jazz music and its impact in the community or neighborhood.
Showcase
The grantees must present a concert of original music fitting the community in which they will be performing. Strong proposals will reach beyond jazz music to engage artists from multiple disciplines, whether that be visual art, dance, or literature. Applicants are encouraged to select showcase locations that are non-traditional performance spaces, such as: businesses in need of a boost, churches or community centers, and outdoor spaces that allow for safe gathering.
Timeline (subject to change)
July 31, 2021 - Proposal Submission Deadline
August 2021 - Applications reviewed and finalists invited for interviews
September 2021 - Announcement of grant recipients
September 2021 to March 2022 - Grant Period
Download Program Guidelines (PDF)
Download the Sample Application (PDF)
The application must be submitted through a Google Form. As it is not possible to save responses and return at a later time, applicants are encouraged to type their responses into a word processor, and then cut and paste responses into the form.
People of color and those from the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply.
Informational Webinars
All of the scheduled webinars have taken place. Below is a recording of one of the meetings.
About Arts 77:
The City of Chicago is facing a critical moment in its history as the COVID-19 pandemic amplifies systemic racism and the history of disinvestment on the South and West sides of the city and presents an opportunity to rebuild towards equity. Recognizing that artists have always played an important role in advancing the causes of justice and equity, DCASE seeks to support artists in developing projects that engage the public in a constructive, civic dialogue that will propel our collective action, facilitate progress, and make Chicago a model city for the nation as it faces the difficult work ahead through the Artist Response Program.
Congratulations to the 6 other recipients of this amazing investment in Chicago neighborhoods! ConTextos, Folded Map Project/Englewood Arts Collective, Full Spectrum Features, Greater Southwest Development Corporation, Kartemquin Films, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
