Chicago Cultural Center Arts and Culture Organization Residency (ARC)

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the Chicago Cultural Center Residency (ARC Residency) for Arts and Culture Organizations. DCASE seeks Chicago-based arts and culture organizations to present an ongoing series of free public programs at the Chicago Cultural Center during the 2016-17 season, which runs October 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017. This program is underwritten by the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) Art Works initiative.

Resident organizations will be responsible for 5-16 free public programs at the Chicago Cultural Center over the course of the season. ARC Residency programs must be specific to an artistic discipline or creative industry, such as dance, theater, visual arts, music, fashion, culinary arts, film, literary arts, design, and architecture. Multidisciplinary programs are welcome. Programs should provide insight into and context for the arts and creative industries, including historical or sociological explorations, demonstrations of art and cultural practice, timely contemporary issues, and emergent ideas and forms.

Eligibility requirements: Organizations must be Chicago-based with a valid street address; be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Illinois for at least 12 months prior to applying (incorporated by August 31, 2015); articulate a plan for growing and maintaining organizational capacity and audience reach following the residency; be willing to participate in cohort activities with other organizations in residence; and demonstrate capacity to draw appropriately-sized audiences. Private, fundraising, or fee-based events are not eligible. Programs cannot include a reception or the serving of any food or beverage. The sale of merchandise is not permitted unless otherwise approved by DCASE.

DCASE will support selected residents with a $5,000 stipend, technical equipment, up to two technicians (subject to availability), inclusion in DCASE marketing, and associated venue costs including security, custodial services, and front-of-house staff. Selected organizations must provide a designated contact, cover any program costs above the stipend, provide additional marketing and social media support, and maintain general liability insurance of at least $1 million listing the City of Chicago as an additional insured. Application deadline: September 9, 2016 by 5 pm.