COVID-19 Performing Arts Venue Grants Close Tomorrow
Applications are still open for the second round of Chicago’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Program. The deadline to apply is tomorrow, December 3 at 5PM.
This program provides $10,000 grants to for-profit and non-profit performing arts venues to cover lost revenue due to COVID-19. This includes venues that primarily produce or present performances in theatre, dance, comedy, performance art and/or music, including live mixing by DJs. Grants will be distributed via a lottery system.
To be eligible, applicants must be located in Chicago and have a Public Place of Amusement (PPA) or Music & Dance License from BACP. Learn more about eligibility requirements, what you need to apply, and more, at chicago.gov/artsvenuerelief. Grants may not be used for severance pay, workforce bonuses other than hazard pay or overtime, property taxes, legal settlements, or reimbursement to other parties for goods or services previously donated. Please see below for some more key details:
All grants will be at least $10,000.
Grants will be made in a single, one-time payment.
Applicants will be screened for eligibility and grantees will be selected from the eligible applicant pool via a lottery system.
As funding for this program is available, program grantees will automatically be cycled into future rounds for the opportunity to receive additional funding via a lottery system that takes into account the priorities outlined above.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the arts and cultural community. These disciplines, focused on bringing people together for shared experiences – have been disproportionally affected by gathering mitigations. These venues have ongoing facilities expenses but continue to experience major income losses. They will be some of the last businesses to re-open at full capacity, and, when they do, they will have to drastically rethink capacity, seating, staging, and more. This second round of relief funding is designed with these facts in mind.
The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) remains committed to helping performance arts venues during this difficult time. You can always email us at info@westloop.org or call 312-666-1991.