The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund

04/06/2026

City of Ottawa Arts Committee and Reddick Library Murals

Call for Artists: Reddick Library Annex Mural Project

The City of Ottawa Arts Committee invites emerging artists to apply for a public mural opportunity at the Reddick Library Annex. This project aims to celebrate local creativity while enhancing a shared community space through vibrant, original artwork.
We are seeking six artists to each create an individual mural within a 9’ x 9’ designated space on the exterior wall of the Reddick Library Annex. Each selected artist will receive an honorarium of $800 for their completed work.
Artists are asked to design and paint a mural that includes a painted frame within the 9’ x 9’ dimensions, creating a cohesive and gallery-inspired presentation across the wall. Murals will remain on display for approximately three years, contributing to Ottawa’s public art landscape.

This opportunity is intended to support and uplift emerging artists in the Ottawa area, offering a platform to showcase their work in a highly visible, community-centered location.

Project Details:
Location: Reddick Library Annex, Ottawa, Illinois
Number of artists selected: 6
Mural size: 9’ x 9’ per artist (must include a painted frame within this space)
Artist honorarium: $800
Artists will paint directly onto the brick wall
Duration of display: Approximately 3 years
Materials: Artists are responsible for providing all paints and supplies
Surface protection: The City of Ottawa Arts Committee will apply a graffiti-resistant sealant upon completion

We encourage artists working in a wide range of styles and mediums to apply. Selected designs should be appropriate for a public setting and reflect the Library's Vision Statement "Literacy, Culture, Community"
How to Apply:
Fill out application below by May 29th

Timeline of events:
Application period: April 6 - May 29
Application Deadline: May 29
Ottawa Art Committee Vote: June 1
Reddick Library Board Vote: June 8
Artists Notified and projects can begin: June 9th
Mural Completion: by September 14
Unveiling Ceremony: September 20th 2pm

Apply here: https://forms.gle/aPLdv4c68QE1jHQo8

03/16/2026

EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE:
The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund GRANT SEASON NOW OPEN.
The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund grant application process is underway for art programs, performances and projects scheduled between July 1 and December 31, 2026.

Additional information and the Art Grant Application can be found at Art Grants – SRCCF -https://srccf.org/arts-of-starved-rock-country-fund.../.

The application deadline is April 15, 2026. Grant recipients will be notified in early May.

The program is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
For more information, please contact the SRCCF at 815-252-2906.

Please help us spread the word - like, comment and share!


PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT ANDERSON
The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund provided a grant to bring the NIU Steel Band to the DePue School.

02/09/2026

The hunt is growing… 🍄
We’re looking for artists to create 5 additional morel mushrooms for our scavenger hunt.

If you’d love to be part of this project, follow the links to apply and review the guidelines.

Application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoe5jdPahMI1jM6g4OgqkqWr4ypRsGx-rig750eDMPceRtuA/viewform?usp=header

Guidelines:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DJg7zNTmwR4D4GbiY0Nt9_p_3vLQmp4B8Ev4jedI4u8/edit?usp=sharing

02/06/2026

Opportunity for Emerging Individuals or Small Groups - Musicians and Musical Performers:

Applications close February 15, 2026

The Salt Lick Incubator is now accepting applications for our next grant cycle. We support emerging artists with $5,000–$15,000 project grants, plus mentorship and hands-on guidance from industry professionals to help turn ideas into sustainable momentum.

Whether you’re recording new music, creating visuals, preparing for tour, pressing vinyl, or sharpening your branding and marketing, this program is built to meet you where you are and help you move forward with intention.

Be sure to review eligibility requirements before applying.
Follow the link for more details and to apply: www.saltlickincubator.org/apply

02/05/2026

Scholarships Available for the 2026
Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability
(LEAD) Conference

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is offering scholarship funds of up to $1,500 to cover expenses related to attending the 2026 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference, to include registration, travel, and hotel costs. The 2026 LEAD Conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA, August 11- August 14, 2026.

The deadline for submitting IAC scholarship applications is Thursday, March 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM. The application must be submitted via IAC’s Salesforce grant portal.

Applications will be accepted from staff of eligible Illinois not-for-profit arts organizations, units of government, and institutions of higher education that are directly responsible for making cultural arts programs and facilities accessible for people with disabilities. Priority will be given to IAC grantees that are first-time attendees and those from rural, high-poverty, BIPOC, and disability communities. Please note this scholarship is taxable to the individual attending the conference.

The LEAD Conference provides an opportunity for professionals in the field to develop best practices and resources, engage in conversations with colleagues and experts from around the world, and learn practical methods for designing inclusive arts experiences and environments. The LEAD Conference not only introduces those new to the field to cultural accessibility solutions but also provides ongoing learning, support, camaraderie, and motivation—necessary fuel for anyone working to change the status quo.

LEAD Conference registration and hotel information is available online at https://web.cvent.com/event/17bdd852-b76e-4a4c-bf53-1f67fa1ee7b1/summary

Follow this LINK to IAC's website for application details. For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director.

The IAC acknowledges ongoing support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

02/05/2026

✨ CALLING ALL MAKERS ✨
Our Third Friday Makers Market applications are officially LIVE! 🎉

We’re looking for unique, handmade, and homegrown goods. The kind of things you can’t find just anywhere. Art, craft, plants, creations made with heart… if that’s you, we want to see it.

This market has a wonderful, supportive following, incredible energy, and honestly? The vibes can’t be beat. 🫶✨ It’s one of our favorite nights of the month, filled with community, creativity, and lots of love for small businesses.

🗓 Application deadline: March 9th
📩 Apply now and be part of something really special.

Tag a maker who should apply or share with your creative friends! 💛

Apply👇

https://www.osartstudios.com/third-friday

02/04/2026

Funding Opportunity for Illinois Arts Organizations
The Illinois Arts Council has opened applications for FY27 General Operating Support Grants, with an optional Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) component. Eligible nonprofits can apply now—deadline March 18, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your organization and support youth in the arts.

Illinois Arts Council Announces Fiscal Year 2027 General Operating Support Grant Application Opening

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) General Operating Support (GOS) application. GOS includes optional application questions for IAC’s Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grant. The GOS, with optional YEA, deadline is Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:59pm.
The application must be submitted via IAC’s Salesforce grant portal.

GOS Grants are offered to eligible not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Successful applicants demonstrate ongoing arts programs and a strong commitment to making artistic programs accessible and relevant to a diverse range of participants.

YEA Grants provide up to $4,500 to GOS recipients to support youth employment opportunities in their organization throughout the year. Youth employees may be between the ages of 14 and 22. Organizations may request funds for up to 4 youth employees. Duties may be administrative or artistic in nature, or a combination of both.

Please review the GOS with YEA webpage for eligibility requirements and guidelines, which will provide full instructions. Pre-recorded webinars, with transcripts, are available on IAC’s Workshops and Webinars webpage that walk through the application process.

The IAC will also host five “Drop-In'' sessions to answer any questions you may have. Drop-in sessions are one-hour sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the participating Program Staff and get answers in real time. Drop-ins do not require pre-registration. Simply click the link at the time of the meeting to join the call via WebEx.

Visit the GOS with YEA webpage for details:
www.arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/general-operating-support.html

For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director:
www.arts.illinois.gov/about-iac/staff/grant-staff-locator.html

01/28/2026

There's still time to submit a production for our 2027 season!

Stage 212 is now accepting show submissions for 2027. We are looking for a wide variety of musicals, dramas, and comedies to fit winter, spring, summer, fall, and off-season slots. We will consider all submissions, including repeats of past shows if they have not been performed in the last 15 years.

To be considered, complete a director's application and show submission form. You can find the forms on our website or at the link below:

SHOW APPLICATION:
https://forms.gle/fN6N64f4BEDjV3qC7

DIRECTOR APPLICATION:
https://forms.gle/JnKE61AaWWFLZzLt6

01/20/2026

Art thrives in community—and this year’s lineup reflects just that!
We are excited to share our 2026 Artist Schedule, featuring incredible artists who will be filling Lumber Lane Gallery with creativity, conversation, and connection all year long. Save the dates, come for the coffee and stay for the art.