Luminarts has recently made revisions to the application process for Project Grants. Please read the information below.

Before Submitting Your Application

Luminarts Fellows are encouraged to apply for funding of projects that break new ground artistically, professionally, and personally. While Project Grants aim to support a broad and diverse scope of career development opportunities for Fellows, Project Grant proposals are strongest when they demonstrate a significant and pivotal impact on the individual Fellow and their career trajectory in the arts. The Review Committee also takes into account if the project addresses relevant social issues and its potential impact on the community. Applying for a project grant is a competitive process and not all applicants are necessarily funded. 

In addition, Fellows who have not yet applied for a project grant in the past must contact Luminarts’ Executive Director, Jason Kalajainen prior to submitting a project grant proposal; to discuss the project in detail, the budget, and ask any questions that may increase the quality and overall impact of the project being proposed. A link will be sent out prior to October 15 to schedule a time to chat with Jason. If you have previously applied for a project grant you are not required to schedule a meeting with Jason prior to your submission. At the completion of your project you will be required to schedule a summary meeting with Luminarts' Associate Director, Leslie Haviland.

Please note that Luminarts Fellows are eligible to receive Project Grant funding only one time per 12 month period.

The next deadline for Fellow Project Grants is October 15, 2023. Fellows will be notified three to four weeks after the deadline regarding the status of their proposal. For proposals that have been approved for funding, grant checks will be issued within three weeks after being notified that the project has been funded.

While these grants may be used for a broad array of career development opportunities, applicants must demonstrate how the funding will support this development, and how the funded experience will in turn benefit the greater Chicago community.

Project Grant Guidelines

• Applicants must be designated a Luminarts Fellow
• While applicants are not required to live in the Chicago area, they must be able to demonstrate how the funded opportunity will directly benefit Chicago
• Applicant may request funding up to $5,000.  The request cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost/budget.
• All funding granted must be spent and accounted for within one (1) year from the date awarded.
• Fellows can receive project grant support totaling up to $15,000 within 10 years of being named a Fellow.

Luminarts' Expectations for all Project Grant Awardees

The Luminarts Cultural Foundation has the expectation that all Fellows who are awarded project grant funding will highlight the Foundation's contribution through any marketing and/or PR materials that may be connected with the project. Fellows are also encouraged to consider how their project might be beneficial to other emerging artists and Fellows.

Luminarts requests that any photos, recordings, and video footage regarding funded projects be shared with the Foundation.

For more information about Project Grants please contact the Foundation at info@luminarts.org or at 312-435-5961.

Luminarts is committed to ensuring equity within its programs and welcomes applicants, artists, audience members, and supporters regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

Visual Arts Fellowship

Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 1, 2024

Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowships are $10,000 per artist. The Visual Arts Fellowship awards three (3) $10,000 Luminarts Fellowships for excellence in Visual Arts (i.e., drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, and moving images). Visual Arts finalists will receive a $250 honorable mention award. Please note that artists integrating a moving image/video into their work may apply and are welcome to submit short clips of the integrated pieces along with images of the overall installation. However, the Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship program does not currently accept short films. 

Luminarts is committed to ensuring equity within its programs and welcomes applicants, artists, audience members, and supporters regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

***Please note that audition schedules and selection processes are subject to change.***

Eligibility and Guidelines

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

· Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the date of applying

· Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program, conservatory, or other professional artist development program (not necessarily specific to the program for which you are applying)

· Live in IL, IN, MI or WI

· Be available to hang/setup artwork (two pieces on the 2nd floor of the John David Mooney Foundation) in downtown Chicago prior to Thursday, April 25, 2024. This is only required if you are selected as a finalist.

· Be available to attend the Visual Arts Exhibition Finals at the JDM Foundation in Chicago (River North) on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST. This is only required if you are selected as a finalist. 

· Please note that the Luminarts Cultural Foundation is not responsible for finalists’ work while they are in our possession. Work is typically installed 1-3 days prior to the event and taken down the evening of the event or the following day.

While applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once. However, once an individual has been designated a Luminarts Fellow they are eligible to apply for Fellow Project Grants through the Foundation. For Project Grant information visit our Artist Opportunities page.

For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship please visit our FAQs page or contact Luminarts at info@luminarts.org or (312) 435-5961.

Submission Guidelines

There are five (5) components that must be attached to your application:

· Three (3) images of your artwork;

· A career statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community;

· The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference;

· An artist statement; and

· CV/Resume.

Read below for specific details about each of these components.

Images of Your Artwork:

· Image resolution should be a minimum of 72 ppi;

· All image file sizes may not exceed 1 MB (video clip limit is 50 MB);

· File name should be the title of the piece; and

· Files and images may not include your name or other personal information.

All images submitted must be of artworks able to be installed in a shared gallery space within a limited period of time. Space will be provided on the application to include details about each attached work. Please include the title, date, medium for each work, dimensions in inches. Example: My Art, 2023, Inkjet print, acrylic, and oil on canvas, 20 x 30 ″

Career Statement:

Your career statement should outline what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community. Your statement may not exceed 500 words in total.

Professional/Educational Reference:

Space will be provided on the application to include the name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.

Artist Statement:

Please provide a brief statement about your creative practice. Artist statement may not exceed 300 words.

Moving Image/Video Clip Guidelines:

Artists integrating a moving image/video into their work may apply and are welcome to submit short clips of the integrated pieces along with images of the overall installation. However, the Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship Program does not currently accept short films. If submitting a moving image/video file:

· The file size may not exceed 50 MB;

· The video length may not exceed three (3) minutes;

· The file must be in mp4 format; and

· External links are not accepted.

Images and videos are reviewed by Luminarts jurors via Submittable. If a particular piece requires multiple angles or views then you may create one (1) image file with all views to be counted as one (1) submission/piece. Please exercise good judgment when submitting images and/or video. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us at info@luminarts.org for specific questions about file submission. Please note that if selected as a finalist you will be required to bring your own equipment for the installation. 

After Submitting Your Application

Applicants will be notified via email by Tuesday, March 26, 2024 regarding whether or not they have been selected as a Luminarts Visual Arts finalist. Please do not contact the Foundation before March 26, 2024 regarding your status as a finalist. The three (3) winners will be announced live on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Creative Writing Fellowship

Deadline to Apply: Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Luminarts Creative Writing Fellowships are $10,000 per artist. The Creative Writing Fellowship awards two (2) Fellowships for Excellence in Creative Writing in the categories of poetry and prose, both fiction and nonfiction. 

Luminarts is committed to ensuring equity within its programs and welcomes applicants, artists, audience members, and supporters regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

***Please note audition schedules and selection processes are subject to change.***

Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

· Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the date of applying

· Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program, conservatory, or other professional artist development program (not necessarily specific to the program for which you are applying)

· Live in IL, IN, MI or WI

While applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once. However, once an individual has been designated a Luminarts Fellow they are eligible to apply for Fellow Project Grants through the Foundation. For Project Grant information visit our Artist Opportunities page.

For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Luminarts at info@luminarts.org or (312) 435-5961.

Submission Guidelines

There are four (4) components that must be attached to your application:

· A written piece of your work, two (2) pages maximum length, single-spaced (excerpts of larger work are also allowed, but limited to two (2) pages);

· A career statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community;

· The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference; and

· CV/ Resume.

Read below for specific details about each of these components.

Your Written Piece:

While all work is welcome, the Foundation and its jurors encourage applicants to submit work that embraces exploration and risk-taking.

Guidelines:

· Submit one (1) piece of writing in either prose or poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. 

· The piece should be no more than two (2) pages in length

· The document should be single-spaced, using 11-12 pt. type, in a standard academic font (i.e., Times New Roman, Cambria, Georgia, Arial, or Calibri; no exceptions). 

· Please submit your piece in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)

· The .doc file name should be the title of the piece (example: "Catcher in the Rye.doc")

· Remove your name from all pages

· Write the title of your piece in the top left header

· Below the title indicate if the piece is poetry or prose, and fiction or nonfiction

· If your piece is an excerpt, please indicate "excerpt" (you will also attach the full-length piece using the same guidelines, indicating "full piece")

· If your written piece is an excerpt of a larger body of work such as a novel or short story, space will be provided for you to attach the full piece in addition to the excerpt. 

· Edit the entire document for grammatical errors

Career Statement:

Your career statement should outline what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community. Your statement may not exceed 500 words in total.

Professional/Educational Reference:

Space will be provided on the application to include the name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.

After Submitting Your Application

Applicants will be notified via email by or before Tuesday, April 2, 2024 regarding whether or not they have been selected as a winner. Please do not contact the Foundation before April 2, 2024 regarding the status of your application. If you are selected as a winner, please reserve the evening of Thursday, April 25, 2024 for an event celebrating your Fellowship and the Visual Arts Finals in downtown Chicago. Your attendance on April 25, 2024 is required for your Fellowship award.

Jazz Fellowship

Deadline to Apply: Friday, February 2, 2024

Luminarts Jazz Fellowships are $10,000 per artist. The Jazz Fellowship Competition awards three (3) $10,000 Luminarts Fellowships to jazz musicians through the performance of original, creative, and spontaneously improvised jazz music. Jazz finalists will receive a $500 honorable mention award. The competition includes a two-tiered jury process, with recorded preliminary auditions hosted through an online application process and the finals live. Of the Jazz Fellowship applicants, finalists will be selected to perform live for the final round of judging at the Jazz Finals hosted on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 4:30-7pm at Jazz Showcase. 

Luminarts is committed to ensuring equity within its programs and welcomes applicants, artists, audience members, and supporters regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 2, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST.

***Please note that audition schedules and selection processes are subject to change.***

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

· Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the date of applying

· Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program, conservatory, or other professional artist development program (not necessarily specific to the program for which you are applying)

· Live in IL, IN, MI or WI

· Be available to perform in-person on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Jazz Showcase

While applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once. However, once an individual has been designated a Luminarts Fellow they are eligible to apply for Fellow Project Grants through the Foundation. For Project Grant information, please visit our Artist Opportunities page.

For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship visit our FAQs page or contact Luminarts at info@luminarts.org or (312) 435-5961,

Submission and Preliminary Audition Guidelines

There are four (4) components that must be attached to your initial application before auditioning:

· Two (2) audio samples and one (1) video sample;

· A career statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community;

· The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference; and

· CV/ Resume.

Read below for specific details about each of these components.

Audio/Video Sample:

Applicants must attach two (2) audio samples and one (1) video sample with the application (three (3) total music samples). You may record an audio clip using a recorder on a mobile device or other recording equipment. Your recordings will be used for judging purposes. Please do not attach recordings over ten (10) minutes long.

Please record a selection of your choice of the audition repertoire listed below and upload these recordings to your application. Recordings that feature accompanists are preferred. Recordings with play-along recordings are also acceptable. Ensemble recordings that include the applicant as a soloist may also be used but must be edited down to include only the applicant’s solo sections. In addition:

· Applicants will submit three contrasting pieces: (1) medium tempo blues, (1) up-tempo standard tune, and (1) ballad. Each of these pieces should be in different keys. While we request individual submissions be under ten (10) minutes, it’s perfectly acceptable and even preferred to upload clips that are each between three to five (3-5) minutes long.

o For the three contrasting pieces, different styles are encouraged.  While the above tempos are recommended, something down tempo, something medium and something up, and one of them must be a blues, we understand that those tempos do not always apply for different arrangements. Contrast in style and tempo are recommended, but ultimately up to the applicant as to how they want to showcase there playing ability.

· Please limit file size to 50 MB or less and length to less than ten (10) minutes per audio/video submission. While some of the repertoire requirements are longer than ten (10) minutes, we ask that you use your best judgement on what portions of the requirements to submit.

· YouTube link or file uploads are allowed.

· File name should be the title of the piece.

· Files and images may not include your name or other personal information.

· Please provide the highest quality recordings possible and note a variety of selections within the guidelines is preferred. 

· All submission should be unedited.

· Please save all recordings and videos in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.

Applicants will be judged by the originality and creativity of their spontaneous improvisation. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and respect for the melody, and accuracy of improvising chord changes.

For Prescreening recording the below is recommended:

· Trumpet, saxophone, and trombone players will perform with piano (or guitar), bass, and drums.

· Guitarists will perform with bass and drums.

· Pianists will perform with bass and drums.

· Bassists will perform with piano (or guitar) and drums.

· Drummers will perform with piano (or guitar) and bass.

Career Statement:

Your career statement should outline what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community. Your statement may not exceed 500 words in total.

Professional/Educational Reference:

Space will be provided on the application to include the name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.

After Submitting Your Application

Once you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting your application, please check your spam/junk filter and settings. If you still have not received a confirmation email immediately after submitting your application, please contact the Foundation.

Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, February 14, 2024, as to whether they have been selected as a Luminarts Jazz Finalist.

Jazz Finals and Audition Guidelines:

The Jazz Finals will be hosted in Chicago on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. After that event, three (3) of the finalists will be selected as Jazz Fellows. If you are selected as a finalist, applicants will be judged on their knowledge and execution of standard jazz practices. The melodies and chord changes should be memorized. Appropriate rhythmic hits, chord voicings, melodic embellishments, and other stylistic devices should be used. The judges will be assessing you on your sound, feel, articulation, phrasing, interactivity, pitch, rhythmic and harmonic vocabulary, and command of the jazz tradition.

Applicants will also be judged on the originality and creativity of their performance. The judges are looking for your unique musical “voice.” This can take many forms, but it probably involves your own personal approach to improvising over standard rhythmic and harmonic progressions, your unique way of phrasing and articulating your ideas, and your selections of repertoire that are meaningful to you.

In addition:

· Applicants will be given a ten (10) minute time slot 

· Applicants select two contrasting selections of their choice

· Applicants will be judged by the originality and creativity of their spontaneous improvisation

· A professional trio will be provided for the audition (do not bring your own accompanist);

· Applicants must bring lead sheets for the accompanist; and

· Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and respect for the melody, and accuracy of improvising chord changes

Jazz Voice Fellowship

Deadline to Apply: Friday, February 2, 2024

The Jazz Voice Fellowship Competition awards one (1) $10,000 Luminarts Fellowship to a jazz vocalist through the performance of creative and spontaneously improvised jazz music. The competition includes a two-tiered jury process, with recorded preliminary auditions hosted through an online application process and the live finals. Finalists will be selected to perform live for the final round of judging at the Union League Club of Chicago on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Luminarts is committed to ensuring equity within its programs and welcomes applicants, artists, audience members, and supporters regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 2, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST.

***Please note that audition schedules and selection processes are subject to change.***

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

· Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the date of applying

· Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program, conservatory, or other professional artist development program (not necessarily specific to the program for which you are applying)

· Live in IL, IN, MI or WI

· Be available to audition live on the morning of Tuesday, February 13, 2024

· If selected as the winner, be available to perform in-person on the evening of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at the Jazz Showcase

While applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once. However, once an individual has been designated a Luminarts Fellow they are eligible to apply for Fellow Project Grants through the Foundation. For Project Grant information, please visit our Artist Opportunities page.

For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship visit our FAQs page or contact Luminarts at info@luminarts.org or (312) 435-5961,

Submission and Preliminary Audition Guidelines

There are four (4) components that must be submitted as your preliminary audition: 

· Three (3) recordings - Two (2) audio samples and one (1) video sample;

· A career statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community;

· The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference; and

· CV/ Resume.

Read below for specific details about each of these components.

Audio/Video Samples:

Applicants must submit three (3) total music samples - two (2) audio samples and one (1) video sample. 

Song Submission Requirements: 

· Applicants must submit three contrasting pieces: (1) medium tempo blues, (1) up-tempo standard tune, and (1) ballad. Vocalists should include words and scat improvisation in their performance on the blues and uptempo selection. 

· Contrast in style and tempo are recommended, but it is ultimately up to the applicant to decide how they want to showcase their artistry.

· Please limit file size to 50 MB or less and length 3-5 minutes

Recording Tips:

Please provide the highest quality recordings possible so the panel has the best chance to hear you and evaluate your singing. Submissions do not have to be recorded in a professional studio, but they should be good enough to provide a clear representation of your sound.

Recordings that feature accompanists are preferred. Recordings with play-along recordings are also acceptable. Ensemble recordings that include the applicant as a soloist may also be used but must be edited down to include only the applicant’s solo sections. 

Other Submission Details: 

· YouTube link or file uploads are allowed.

· File name should be the title of the piece.

· Files and images may not include your name or other personal information.

· All submissions should be unedited except for purposes of shortening the submission

· Please save all recordings and videos in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.

Applicants will be judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, ability to swing and creativity of their spontaneous improvisation. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and respect for the melody, and accuracy of improvising chord changes.

Career Statement:

Your career statement should outline what your career objectives are as an artist, how becoming a Luminarts Fellow would help support those objectives, and how you envision your art/career impacting the greater Chicago community. Your statement may not exceed 500 words in total.

Professional/Educational Reference:

Space will be provided on the application to include the name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.

After Submitting Your Application

Once you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting your application, please check your spam/junk filter and settings. If you still have not received a confirmation email immediately after submitting your application, please contact the Foundation.

Applicants will be notified by Thursday, February 8, 2024, as to whether they have been selected as a Luminarts Jazz Voice Finalist.

Jazz Voice Finals and Audition Guidelines:

The final round of auditions will be held at the Union League Club of Chicago on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. – noon. Jurors will evaluate each finalist’s execution of standard jazz practices and their command of the jazz tradition. Finalists will be judged on their vocal quality, musicality, technique, and rhythmic and harmonic vocabulary of their spontaneous improvisation. Songs must be memorized for the performance. 

Applicants will also be judged on the originality and creativity of their performance. The judges are looking for applicants’ unique musical “voice” and individual artistic interpretation. This can take many forms, but it may involve an applicant’s personal approach to improvising over standard rhythmic and harmonic progressions, unique way of phrasing and articulating their ideas, and repertoire selections that are meaningful to them.

In addition:

· Applicants will be given a ten (10) minute time slot 

· Applicants select one (1) blues and one (1) contrasting selection of their choice

· A professional trio will be provided for the audition (do not bring your own accompanist);

· Applicants must bring lead sheets for the accompanist; and

· Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and respect for the melody, and accuracy of improvising chord changes

After the Audition

· Musicians will be notified by 12 p.m. CST on the day following their audition whether they have been selected as a winner and Luminarts Fellow.