Organizer Information
The Luminarts Cultural Foundation is a Chicago-based organization dedicated to supporting young, exemplary artists through its prestigious Fellowship programs. Originally established within the Union League Club of Chicago, the Foundation provides substantial financial support, mentorship, and professional development. Once named a Fellow, artists gain access to a decade-long ecosystem of project grants, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to cultivate long-term career success in the arts.
Title & Description
2026 Luminarts Fellowships (Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Music)
The Luminarts Fellowship Program identifies and supports outstanding emerging artists in the Chicago region. Fellowships are awarded across four primary "Core" disciplines: Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Classical Music, and Jazz Improvisation. The program goes beyond a one-time prize; it is a gateway to a professional community. Fellows are selected based on excellence in their craft and their potential to impact the cultural landscape of the greater Chicago area.
Categories
Visual Arts: Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Sculpture, and Moving Image (excluding short films).
- Creative Writing: Poetry, Fiction, and Non-fiction.
- Music: Classical Voice, Classical Piano, Classical Strings, and Jazz Improvisation.
- Specialized Partnerships: Architecture, Fashion, and Dance (often in collaboration with specific institutions like SAIC or ICAA).
Eligibility
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old on the date of application.
- Residency: Must live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop.
- Education/Experience: Must be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a degree program, conservatory, or other professional artist development program.
- Fellow Status: Individuals who have already been named a Luminarts Fellow in a previous year are not eligible to apply for another Fellowship but can apply for Fellow Project Grants.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Unrestricted Grants: Fellowships include unrestricted monetary awards ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 (depending on the discipline).
- Finalist Awards: Finalists who do not receive the full Fellowship often receive an honorable mention award (typically $250–$300).
- Extended Support: Eligibility for Project Grants (up to $5,000) for 10 years following the award.
- Exposure: Performance showcases, exhibitions at prominent Chicago venues, and inclusion in the Foundation’s artist network.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist Statement: Brief overview of your work (max 300 words).
- Career Statement: Outlining objectives and community impact (max 500 words).
- CV/Resume: Detailing education and artistic achievements.
- Work Samples: 3–5 high-quality images (Visual Arts) or specific manuscript/audio recordings (Writing/Music).
- References: One professional or educational reference.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
- Visual Arts Exhibition: 26 March 2026
- Classical Music Finals: March–April 2026
- Jazz Improvisation Finals: 7 May 2026
- Creative Writing Showcase: 21 May 2026
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
Fellows are required to mention the Luminarts Fellowship in their professional bios for at least five years. The Foundation is highly committed to equity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and citizenship statuses.