Propeller Fund recognizes that small, self-organized operations constitute a large catalyst for the creative activity and vitality of the Chicago visual art world. These projects are responsible for much of the complexity and richness in the art community.
From artist organized events, informal roundtables and workshops, collectively organized exhibition spaces, and publishing endeavors, a large number of the activities that actively sustain Chicago's artists are informal, anti-institutional, or inconsistent in public presentation. These three attributes simultaneously fuel projects and disqualify them from traditional funding sources.
This informal and self-organized creative activity is abundant in Chicago. Propeller Fund is conceptualized to stimulate its further growth; to encourage more varied models; to spread the activities into more diverse areas; to promote the public's interaction with, and public recognition of such activities; and to spark ambitions beyond current formats.
Propeller Fund will provide support at two levels: five grants at $6,000 and ten grants at $2,000. The two-tiered funding structure spread amongst 15 projects is devised first and foremost to provide substantial support for major costs—printing, rental, honoraria, material, shipping, research time. The aim is to ensure that each project will reach completion and has the resources to live up to its ambitions
What types of projects will be funded?
Public visual art events, for example: exhibitions, events, screenings, performances, festivals, publications and panel discussions, one-time-only or ongoing activities, that happen outside of established not-for-profit arts institutions.
Who can apply?
Visual artists, curators or visual arts groups living and working in Cook County (with a requirement that projects are presented within 50 miles of Cook County). Students, incorporated businesses, and incorporated not-for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for funding.
For more information on applicant guidelines, visit: http://www.propellerfund.org/application
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