Post by Merritt Stilts

In light of Creating New Futures and other artist-led initiatives to reshape the art world [companion blog post by Shweta Dharap and Emily Carroccio], it is clear that there is growing momentum for radical and progressive change as we look toward the future of the field. That said, in the present, many creatives are simultaneously living within the bounds of existing structures. It can be difficult to find funding, assistance, or up-to-date information. As we look ahead to potential new frameworks for the operating of dance communities, how can creatives get the most benefit from today’s arts policies?

At a national level, many U.S. Americans anxiously await the vote on Biden’s American Families Plan and American Jobs Plan. Though little specific verbiage exists in regards to arts, each of these plans promises other benefits such as affordable public housing, expanded social programs, and other benefits. Contact your senator and congressperson and ask them to vote in favor of these plans later this summer. The National Endowment for the Arts also recently announced their grant programs made possible by funding from the American Rescue Plan, which you can learn about here.

With regards to state funding, Arts Alliance Illinois recently released notes on both the Illinois Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and state allocations for Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Though the budget has not dedicated very much money to the creative sector currently, there was $500 million made available for “business support” that some creatives may have access to. The Illinois Arts Council Agency will be receiving $14.2 mil. from the state for operations and grants, with $930,000 in ARP assistance. Check out their list of grant programs and be on the lookout for more news regarding allocation of funds.

The city’s arts community continues to be in flux, due to the continued effects of the pandemic, new ideas for restructuring the arts space, and the recently announced retirement of Mark Kelly, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Commissioner since 2016 and longtime arts advocate. One interesting update that could change the face of arts in the city is the recently-announced Arts 77. This exciting new plan will use an initial sum of $60 mil. to refresh the arts sector in Chicago, with a focus on making the arts more accessible citywide, as well as prioritizing employment and involvement of local creatives in different areas of city government. The money is being allocated in many different ways, including investment in arts infrastructure in neighborhoods that lack it, grants, and regranting programs with partner organizations. Though the 2021 grantees have already been selected, it appears that many of them will be renewed the next year, so artists are advised to keep a close eye on Arts 77. To learn more about the specifics of the plan and potential grant opportunities, click here.

One exciting development from Arts 77 includes a partnership with Honey Pot Performance (2010 Lab Artist, Meida Teresa McNeal), an Afro-feminist performance group dedicated to “documenting and interrogating fringe subjectivities amidst the pressures of contemporary global life”. They will be heading public engagement for We Will Chicago, a city planning effort to address problems including (but not limited to) sustainability, education, and economic development. Be on the lookout for upcoming events regarding this exciting new integration of the arts into public life.

Waiting on availability of grants and other programs can be tedious, and many artists need assistance now. There tends to not be enough support for individual artists, and gig workers are at a unique disadvantage. Below are some options to explore:

• If you didn’t qualify for regular unemployment insurance, you still may be eligible to receive $100 per week. Note that in order to get this Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), you must first be denied regular unemployment insurance benefits. Learn more here.
• Applying for assistance programs as a cohort with other creatives may help with getting funding. There would be an expectation of being a formal organization with a 501c3.
• Becoming a sole proprietor may make it easier to apply for aid. This would mean that, in the most basic way, one would operate as a business. Lawyers for the Creative Arts may be able to help you explore this option further.
• Chicago Dancemakers Forum has a resource sharing group and a continuously-updated Padlet to help creatives stay abreast of helpful resources.

Though large-scale changes may take time, hopefully this article has helped refresh and inform you about news in arts policy and advocacy.

Image: Dineda Nyepan for Unsplash