The arts advocacy group, Arts Alliance Illinois, is urging Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to increase cultural funding in the upcoming budget. They propose adding $15 million to the grantmaking budget at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), which directly supports artists and arts organizations.
Federal funding for the arts has diminished in recent years, specifically under the Trump administration, prompting a focus on local and state contributions to the arts. Last year, DCASE allocated $10.8 million in grants. However, a recent analysis showed that Chicago was the only city among the five largest U.S. cities to cut local arts funding, with DCASE experiencing a 15% budget reduction.
Arts Alliance Illinois acknowledges the city’s budget challenges, yet emphasizes that investing in the arts is essential for Chicago’s economic strategy. They encourage community members to sign their open letter to the mayor, highlighting the arts sector’s significant economic impact and its connections to broader community priorities like education and public health.
