Luminarts Fellowships

Luminarts Fellowship applications will open on September 14, 2026 and close on January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
Review application requirements for each discipline through the links below, as some requirements may have changed. Luminarts Fellowship applications will open on September 14, 2026 and close on January 15, 2027. On September 14, 2026, you will find a link to the application on this webpage.

2027 Fellowship Application Informational Webinars
Luminarts will hold three Zoom webinars to explain the application process, answer questions, and offer relevant resources for applicants. All webinars will be recorded and available on this page until applications close.
Click on one of the following dates to register for each session.

Webinar Dates
Thursday, September 24: Zoom Webinar @ 7 PM
Thursday, November 12: Zoom Webinar @ 7 PM
Saturday, January 9: Zoom Webinar @ 1 PM

About the Fellowship Program
The Luminarts Fellowship Program includes core awards* in Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Classical Music, and Jazz Improvisation. Core Fellowships include an unrestricted monetary award of $10,000. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop.

If an applicant does not currently reside within the Chicago area, they must have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider themselves a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines formative years as having a pivotal impact on your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.

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.

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AI Policy
-Artwork/performances submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the artwork/performances submitted for adjudication.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number)
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines formative years as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.

Additional Considerations
-It is beneficial to submit your application well before the deadline, if possible, in case you have issues with internet connectivity, file upload, or other concerns. Extensions will not be granted.
-Have a question not answered above? Visit our FAQ page or email us at info@luminarts.org.
-Please note that questions submitted on or after January 11, 2027 may not be answered in time for you to submit your application.
-Review application requirements for each discipline through the links below, as some requirements may have changed. Luminarts Fellowship applications will open on September 14, 2026 and close on January 15, 2027. On September 14, 2026, you will find a link to the application on this webpage.

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 contact us at info@luminarts.org.

Ambassador Award

We are not currently accepting applications for the Ambassador Award.

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.