Cook County Arts
Cook County Arts is a pilot initiative of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development made possible by $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The initiative provides recovery support for artists and nonprofit arts and culture organizations while investing resources to strengthen the suburban arts sector long-term.
The arts and culture sector was among the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizations face significant challenges due to changing operational needs and declines in both earned and contributed revenue. Providing needed relief to arts and culture organizations will help ensure these vital community assets thrive in the post-pandemic economy.
Cook County Arts programming includes:
A 2025 ecosystem assessment focused on strengthening the arts and culture sector in suburban Cook County
Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grants, which were awarded in 2025
Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grants, which were awarded in 2024
Partners on this effort include Arts Alliance Illinois and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
For more information, visit the official Cook County Arts website at cookcountyarts.org.
Ecosystem Assessment
In 2025, Arts Alliance Illinois led an ecosystem assessment focused on strengthening the arts and culture sector in suburban Cook County. Residents were encouraged to participate in a survey, as well as community insight sessions that took place in October 2025 in suburbs located throughout the County.
For more information, visit artsalliance.org.
Creative Placemaking Grants
Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking is a $2.75 million grant program for communities in suburban Cook County.
Nonprofit organizations located in and serving suburban communities were able to apply for grants of up to $250,000 supporting projects focused on public art, community gardens and more.
The recipients were announced in July 2025.
Recipients will participate in peer-to-peer learning circles and receive technical assistance as they implement their projects.
To learn more about Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant recipients and their projects, visit cookcountyarts.org/creative-placemaking/.
Nonprofit Relief Grants
The Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grant program, which was open in 2024, provided grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to 100 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in suburban Cook County.
Grant amounts depended on the organization's annual budget.
These unrestricted grants support the work of suburban museums, theaters, arts festivals and more.
To learn more about Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grant recipients, visit cookcountyarts.org/nonprofit-relief-grants/.
Questions?
For more information, email Christine Nappo, manager of community and economic development with the Cook Bureau of Economic Development, at christine.nappo@cookcountyil.gov.
For media inquiries, email:
Maria Phelan, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development deputy director of communications
maria.phelan2@cookcountyil.gov
Kyle Garmes, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development public relations specialist