Arts of Life to receive $25,000 grant from Arts Work Fund

Arts of Life is thrilled to have been approved for a Explore Grant through the Arts Work Fund. This $25,000 grant will support the development of our new community programs initiative, testing the potential of providing individualized in-home or small group support outside of our studios. Through these pilot programs, we will be able to reach more artists with the ultimate goal of increasing our roster by 50% in the upcoming three years.

“We are looking to engage with some of the most isolated residents in our community,” said Tim Ortiz, Director of Community Programs at Arts of Life. “Whether it be health issues, a lack of resources, or limited transportation, these prospective artists are eager to connect with peers while also developing their artistic and entrepreneurial skills. By building on what we developed out of necessity during the pandemic, we can meet them where they are and connect them with the broader AofL community through our virtual and community based programming.”

With this grant, Arts of Life will be able to realize these plans. Stay tuned for more details about upcoming community programs throughout Chicago-land.

We congratulate our fellow Explore and Think grantees:

• 3Arts
• Artists’ Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions (ACRE)
• Comfort Station
• Equity Arts
• Haitian American Museum
• Hyde Park Jazz Festival
• Mezcla Media Collective
• Musical Arts Institute
• Sixty Inches From Center
• Still Point Theatre Collective
• True Star Media & Foundation

The Arts Work Fund is a funder collaborative created to help strengthen the management and operations of small arts and cultural organizations in Chicago and Cook County.