Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced that 14 nonprofit organizations will receive grants from the Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking program. The grants, which range from $50,000 to $250,000, are intended to fund community-led art projects in suburban areas. Projects include public murals, community gardens, arts centers and other initiatives designed to create vibrant and inclusive 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 $5 million Cook County Arts initiative is managed by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development with funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Of this amount, $2.75 million was set aside for the Creative Placemaking grant program, which began accepting applications in February 2025. The program encourages nonprofit organizations based in suburban Cook County to collaborate with local stakeholders on proposals that use arts and culture to improve economic, physical and social conditions.
Grant recipients are 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 grant process. More than 100 submissions were reviewed by a panel of external experts who evaluated them according to program criteria. LISC will also provide technical assistance and facilitate peer learning among grantees as they implement their projects.
“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.”
One recipient organization—the Southland Development Authority—plans to use its grant funding for continued work on the Hazel Crest Creative Arts Center by renovating interior space for dance studios as well as ceramics and painting units.
“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 awarded $790000 in grants distributed among 100 nonprofit groups focused on arts or culture throughout suburban Cook County communities. Separately Arts Alliance Illinois is conducting an assessment aimed at evaluating needs within these communities’ cultural sectors; results may guide future county efforts.
“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 grant recipients or project details can be found at cookcountyarts.org or by contacting info@cookcountyarts.org.
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