Luminarts Fellowships

Please note: The application deadline has now passed for 2026 Luminarts Fellowship core awards in Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Classical Music, and Jazz Improvisation*. Applications will open again in October 2026 for the 2027 Luminarts Fellowship Program. Core Fellowships include an unrestricted monetary award of $10,000-$15,000 depending on the discipline. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop. Once an artist is awarded a Luminarts Fellowship, they are eligible to apply for additional opportunities for a period of 10 years. These opportunities include project grants, workshops, mentorship, and facilitated conversations that provide valuable insights into building a successful career in the arts. *See Frequently Asked Questions for more information, including our Fellowships in Dance, Fashion, and Architecture, which are not decided through the process below. Sign up for our newsletter for updates and reminders about the application process. Have a question not answered above? Visit our FAQ page or contact us.

Fellow Project Grants

Luminarts Fellows may apply for funding of artistic projects for up to 10 years after they win their initial Fellowship. 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 both on the individual Fellow and on the Chicago region specifically. Applying for a project grant is a competitive process and not all applicants can be funded. Note: you must first be awarded a Luminarts Fellowship in order to be eligible for a project grant. Project Grant applications are now closed and will reopen approximately one month before the October 15, 2026 deadline.  

For questions about project grants click below or contact us at info@luminarts.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ambassador Award

We are not currently accepting applications for the Ambassador Award.  

Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for $2,500 awards in support of being ambassadors for Luminarts Cultural Foundation beyond the Chicago region.

Luminarts Cultural Foundation will accept funding proposals from Luminarts Fellows who have significant projects (performances, exhibitions, readings, etc.) in major markets outside of the Chicago area whereby they will highlight Luminarts Cultural Foundation’s support in tandem with their outstanding talent.

While the available funds should be of benefit to the Luminarts Fellow, a primary goal of this funding is to raise awareness of Luminarts Cultural Foundation outside of the Chicago region.

Residencies

Luminarts Fellows are invited, on a revolving basis, to a special Luminarts residency program at Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, IL. Each residency includes an optional studio visit, meals and lodging, and unscheduled time to work on projects which residents may not otherwise have the time or resources to complete. Programming is paired with the opportunity to be in community with other Luminarts Fellows, and to connect with professional artists, staff members, and supporters.

Non Discriminatory Statement and Commitment to Equity Luminarts welcomes artists of all social, economic and cultural backgrounds. 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, disability, or citizenship status. Luminarts works directly with artists, jurors, and attendees to make accommodations as needed and holds events at various spaces which are accessible. To request accommodations for Luminarts’ programs or events, please contact Luminarts at info@luminarts.org.