Chicago Dance Month Grant

Chicago Dance Month Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Illinois Arts Council Agency
Amount: US $350 - US $500
Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Summary

The Chicago Dance Month Grant, a flagship initiative by See Chicago Dance, offers performance and teaching opportunities for dance artists and organizations. Celebrating its 12th year, the program features diverse events at iconic venues like Navy Pier. Artists can engage in performances, classes, and community outreach, with a focus on inclusivity and artistic expression. Applications are encouraged from those who have had limited past opportunities, ensuring a vibrant dance scene throughout the summer.

Overview

Chicago Dance Month Grant Now in its 13th year, Chicago Dance Month—a program of See Chicago Dance—is a month-long celebration of dance and culture across the city. Aligned with SCD’s mission and values, we are committed to providing dance artists and organizations with paid performance and teaching opportunities across the city. Chicago Dance Month opportunities: Navy Pier Opportunities Chicago Dance Month Kick-Off at Navy PierSaturday, May 30, 2026- 3:00-5:00 PMSCD’s premier event on the beautiful Lake Stage, 6–8 artists/companies will present their best works (10-15 minutes max)Note: The surrounding sidewalks and lawn can be used in addition to the proscenium stage.Stipend: Stipends vary depending on the length of work and the number of performers.Pier Dance at Navy PierWednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, & 24,- 6:30-8:00 PMTeach a class and end with a dance party! Great for social dance or studios with fun classes for all ages and experience levels. This year, Pier Dance precedes Navy Pier’s weekly fireworks shows at 9:00 PM.Note: June 24 is Navy Pier’s Summer Block Party. This year’s theme is The ’90s! Time may vary.Stipend: $400Wave Wall Moves at Navy PierSaturdays, June 6, 13, 20, & 27,- 4:00-5:00 PMThis opportunity is great for small groups, advanced students, or junior companies. Each artist has a 30-minute time slot and must perform for at least 15 minutes of that time. Each Saturday will feature two groups.Note: June 27 is Pride Weekend. Priority will be given to LGBTQIA+-forward performance themes.Stipend: $350 New In 2026: Neighborhood Pop-up Opportunities In 2026, See Chicago Dance is building new partnerships with three community-serving cultural hubs: the new Collaboraction space at the Kimball Arts Center (West Side); Instituto Cervantes (Downtown); and the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts (South Side). Drawing on the priorities of each of these hubs—as well as program suggestions from last year’s CDM applicants—SCD will present a curated suite of programs at each of these venues that highlights the work of Chicago dance artists, crews, and companies. Through a mix of classes, panel discussions, film screenings, and solo/small group performances, SCD will use our broad promotional reach (6,000 brochures distributed citywide) to shine a light on the dance innovation and artistry that is flourishing in neighborhoods all over town. Dates, times, and content for these programs are still being solidified. CDM applicants who indicate that they are interested in opportunities beyond Navy Pier will be considered once the program formats and logistics are finalized with collaborating host venues. Stipend: Stipends for these opportunities vary depending on length, content, and the number of artists involved. Selected artists are considered partners in this process and must be able to: Confirm that their performance piece and/or class material will be family-friendly (does not contain any profane language or suggestive imagery)Promote their performance (e.g., on website, in emails, and social media) using the Dance Month Tool Kit providedAttend one pre-event meeting to discuss location and logisticsUpon request, provide additional promotional materials for use in social media posts in advance of CDM.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Dance artists and organizations