Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers

The Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers is a program of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and City Colleges of Chicago. This pilot aims to strengthen trauma-informed and culturally responsive health services in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program explores career pathways for artists centered in creative therapy and trauma-informed care by establishing one-year artist apprenticeships with community health worker certification from Malcolm X College. The program supports continued recovery from the social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic by creating job opportunities for creative workers, integrating the arts into the healthcare delivery system, and promoting overall community health and wellness using arts-focused strategies.

Eligible artists must have experienced a negative impact due to the pandemic as indicated by ongoing financial instability, job loss, and/or a decrease in job opportunities. Applicants must prove eligibility by providing evidence of: residence in qualifying community areas (low to moderate income communities and/or qualified census tracts); 65% annual median income (not exceeding $47,450 for a single individual or $49,822.50 for a family of 4); or dislocated worker status between March 2020 and December 2021. Artists must be Chicago residents with a valid street address, at least 18 years old, have a high school degree or GED, and include an artist resume/CV with at least two years of professional experience as an arts maker, educator, and/or facilitator. City of Chicago employees are not eligible.

Selected artists will complete a yearlong community health worker certification program and full-time apprenticeship placement at one of five City mental health clinics. Artists must commit to 15-20 contact hours weekly with clients using creative wellness strategies and 10-15 hours per week for preparation, rotations, and administrative processes. The apprenticeship begins January 2024. Artists must have or secure liability insurance by the time of field placement and are not restricted from holding other forms of employment, though they must be available for the required 30-35 apprenticeship hours per week. Application deadline: June 29, 2023.