LISC, COOK COUNTY BUREAU OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND COOK COUNTY ARTS ANNOUNCE RECIPIENTS OF CREATIVE PLACEMAKING GRANTS

LISC, COOK COUNTY BUREAU OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND COOK COUNTY ARTS ANNOUNCE RECIPIENTS OF CREATIVE PLACEMAKING GRANTS

$2.75 Million Awarded to Support Transformative Community Art Projects Across Suburban Cook County

CHICAGO – LISC, in collaboration with Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and Cook County Arts, announced 14 nonprofit organizations selected to receive Creative Placemaking grants. The grants, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, will support transformative, community-driven art projects across suburban Cook County, including public murals, community gardens, arts centers, and more.

"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 Meghan Harte, Senior Executive Director of LISC Chicago. "These projects highlight the power of arts and culture as tools for community development, honoring each community’s unique identity while revitalizing public spaces in ways that unite, inspire, and serve residents. We're grateful to Cook County for their continued partnership and commitment to creative placemaking."

Cook County Arts is a $5 million initiative led by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and focuses on strengthening the suburban arts and culture sector. The initiative is supported by funding the County received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County allocated $2.75 million to the Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant program, which opened in February 2025. Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities.

“The arts and culture sector unites neighborhoods, creates jobs and supports local economies,” said Cook County Board President Toni 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."

For this program, nonprofit organizations located in and serving suburban Cook County communities were invited to serve as the lead applicant and were encouraged to work with a team of community stakeholders to develop their applications. Proposed projects leveraged arts and culture to improve communities' economic, physical and social vitality.

The recipients of Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grants are:

ARTSiE Inc.: Public mural and art education activities at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Evanston

Berwyn Development Corporation: Development of the Berwyn Arts Plaza in Berwyn

Brookfield Theater Corporation: Showcase for local artists at Brookfield Shops, Brookfield

Cornerstone Community Development Corporation: Mural at headquarters, Ford Heights

Glenview Art League: Mural featuring natural elements in Glenview around the Chicago River

Homewood Science Center: Transformation into interactive STEAM learning environments, Homewood

Just Roots: Community mural and gathering spaces at It Takes A Village Community Farm, Sauk Village

Oakton College Educational Foundation: Revitalization of community gardens at campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie

Open Studio Project: Community mural production, Evanston

Restoration Ministries, Inc.: Two murals as part of Harvey Community Arts Initiative, Harvey

Riverdale Park District: Creation of ArtSPARK Community Garden, Riverdale

SD89 Education Foundation: Redevelopment of Maywood's "1100 Building" with kitchen, dining space, and garden

SGA Youth and Family Services: Revitalized community gardens and mural, Summit

Southland Development Authority: Development of Hazel Crest Creative Arts Center, Hazel Crest

“This grant allows us to reimagine public space as a launchpad for creativity and learning,” said Edie Dobrez, Executive Director of Homewood Science Center. “By blending art, science, and community input, we’re creating a place where families don’t just visit, they connect, explore, and grow together. It’s a powerful example of how STEAM learning can live beyond the classroom and take root in everyday life.”

“This investment is transforming a long-overlooked space into a cornerstone of Hazel’s Crest’s future,” said Dante Sawyer, Village Manager of Hazel’s Crest, Southland Development Authority. “With strong community backing and creative vision, we’re building a destination for the arts, one that reflects our identity, strengthens local pride, and invites new possibilities for cultural and economic growth.”

LISC, a national leader in creative placemaking with support for 35 projects in Chicago alone, managed the rigorous application and review process, involving a diverse 12-person panel. LISC will now guide grantees through project implementation, offering technical assistance and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Cook County Arts partners with Arts Alliance Illinois and LISC to enhance the impact of the suburban arts sector. Arts Alliance Illinois is conducting a year-long assessment of the suburban cultural ecosystem to inform future strategies and investments.

For more details on the grant recipients and the Creative Placemaking program, visit cookcountyarts.org or email info@cookcountyarts.org.



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