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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced that 14 nonprofit organizations will receive grants through the Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking program. The grants, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, are intended to fund projects such as public murals, community gardens, and arts centers in suburban communities.
“The arts and culture sector unites neighborhoods, creates jobs and supports local economies,” said President Preckwinkle. “These grants will support inspiring projects that center community and the arts as the foundation for positive and long-lasting impact. When we support artists and nonprofit arts organizations across Cook County, we promote expression, foster understanding and spark creativity."
The Cook County Arts initiative is a $5 million program led by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. It is funded by money received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Of this amount, $2.75 million was allocated specifically for the Creative Placemaking grant program, which opened applications in February 2025. The program aims to integrate arts, culture, and design into efforts that strengthen communities.
Nonprofit organizations located in suburban Cook County were invited to apply as lead applicants. They were encouraged to collaborate with other community stakeholders when developing their proposals. Projects selected for funding are expected to improve economic, physical, and social vitality through arts and culture.
Grant recipients include ARTSiE Inc., Berwyn Development Corporation, Brookfield Theater Corporation, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, Glenview Art League, Homewood Science Center, Just Roots, Oakton College Educational Foundation, Open Studio Project, Restoration Ministries Inc., Riverdale Park District, SD89 Education Foundation, SGA Youth and Family Services, and Southland Development Authority.
Cook County partnered with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Arts Alliance Illinois to manage the program. More than 100 submissions were reviewed by a panel of outside experts who ranked applications based on program requirements. LISC will also lead peer-to-peer learning circles and provide technical assistance during project implementation.
“Congratulations to this inspiring group of grantees whose creative visions will bring new life to public spaces and strengthen the cultural fabric of their communities,” said LISC Senior Executive Director Meghan Harte. "These winning projects reflect the power of investing in arts and culture as a tool for community development, honoring the identity of each place while activating public spaces in ways that serve, inspire and unite. Thank you to Cook County for making this possible. This partnership builds on LISC’s ongoing commitment to creative placemaking.”
The Southland Development Authority plans to use its grant funds for continued development of the Hazel Crest Creative Arts Center by renovating interior space for dance studios and areas dedicated to ceramics and painting.
“We are honored to receive this Cook County Arts grant, which affirms the power of creativity as a catalyst for community transformation,” said Southland Development Authority CEO Bo Kemp. “This investment will help us reimagine underutilized spaces in Hazel Crest into a vibrant, transit-connected arts district that celebrates culture, drives foot traffic and supports local business. It’s a bold example of how arts-led development can spur economic growth and amplify regional identity.”
In 2024, Cook County Arts distributed $790,000 in grants among 100 nonprofit organizations serving suburban areas. In addition to grantmaking efforts this year,Arts Alliance Illinois is conducting an assessment of the suburban arts sector on behalf of Cook County; findings are expected to guide future county support strategies.
“Cook County's historic investment in the suburban arts sector is a powerful recognition of the role that culture and creativity play in building thriving, connected communities,” said Claire Rice, executive director of Arts Alliance Illinois. “Arts Alliance is proud to partner with the County on the ecosystem assessment, which will help lay the groundwork for a more equitable and coordinated cultural landscape. And we’re equally excited to celebrate the Creative Placemaking grantees whose work brings this vision to life on the ground throughout the Cook County suburbs."
More information about Cook County Arts programs can be found at cookcountyarts.org or by contacting info@cookcountyarts.org.
