Cook County Arts

Service Information

Cook County Arts is a pilot initiative of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development made possible by $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. Cook County Arts provides recovery support for artists and nonprofit arts and culture organizations while investing resources to strengthen the suburban arts sector long-term.

The arts and culture sector was among the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizations face significant challenges due to changing operational needs and declines in both earned and contributed revenue. Providing needed relief to arts and culture organizations will help ensure these vital community assets thrive in the post-pandemic economy.

The initiative's programming includes:

  • A 2025 ecosystem assessment focused on strengthening the arts and culture sector in suburban Cook County

  • Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grants, which were awarded in 2025

  • Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grants, which were awarded in 2024

Partners on this effort include Arts Alliance Illinois and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

For more information, visit the official Cook County Arts website at cookcountyarts.org.

Ecosystem Assessment

Throughout 2025, Arts Alliance Illinois is leading an ecosystem assessment focused on strengthening the arts and culture sector in suburban Cook County. Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey and provide input.

Community insight sessions will also take place in October 2025 in suburbs located throughout the County. The public is invited to attend.

The sessions will take place:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Matteson Community Center, Matteson, IL (south suburbs)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Maywood Fine Arts Stairway of the Stars, Maywood, IL (west suburbs)
  • Monday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Orland Park Civic Center, Orland Park, IL (southwest suburbs)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg, IL (north suburbs)

For more information, visit artsalliance.org.

Creative Placemaking Grants

In February 2025, Cook County Arts launched a creative placemaking grant program for communities in suburban Cook County. Nonprofit organizations located in and serving suburban communities were able to apply for grants of up to $250,000 supporting projects focused on public art, community gardens and more.

Applications closed on April 7, 2025, and applicants were notified in June 2025 for this $2.75 million program.

Grant recipients will participate in peer-to-peer learning circles and receive technical assistance as they implement their projects. 

To view the 14 nonprofit organizations that received a Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant, visit cookcountyarts.org/creative-placemaking/.

Nonprofit Relief Grants 

In 2024, Cook County Arts provided Nonprofit Relief Grants to 100 nonprofit organizations located in suburban Cook County.

This $1.5 million program provided grants of $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the organization's annual budget.

These unrestricted grants will help support the work of suburban museums, theaters, arts festivals and more.

View Cook County Nonprofit Relief Grant recipients

Questions?

For more information, contact Cook County Bureau of Economic Development public relations specialist Kyle Garmes at kyle.garmes@cookcountyil.gov.

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