On this page:

• Are there preferred countries in terms of the exchange?
• If I received funding in the past, am I still eligible to apply?
• Will proposals to support existing international exchanges be considered?
• Does all the funding have to be used within 1 year of grant disbursement?
• Are US territories included in the international definition?
• Can the funds be used to support travel of international performance groups across the US, including Chicago?
• Can the funds be used to bring collaborators from around the world to support a Chicago organization’s international project?
  
  

Are there preferred countries in terms of the exchange?

Applications that make connections to any country will be considered. However, if you are planning an exchange that involves travel to Cuba, we ask that you have in hand at the time of application all the required documentation (including licenses).

If I received funding in the past, am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, you may apply again but with different projects/collaborations. Preference will be given to organizations that have not received funding in the past.

Will proposals to support existing international exchanges be considered?

The primary goal of the International Connections Fund is to establish or expand new exchanges and collaborations with Chicago-based groups. That said, we will consider those proposals that might significantly improve or advance an existing collaboration.

Does all the funding have to be used within 1 year of grant disbursement?

No, but the exchange must begin within 1 year of grant disbursement. We recognize that reciprocal exchanges may require up to 2 years to occur.  As part of the grant’s requirements, we ask for annual reporting after the grant is provided to understand how the grant was used to support an international exchange and collaboration in the arts. The number of years of reporting will be decided on a grant-by-grant basis.

Are US territories included in the international definition?

Yes.

Can the funds be used to support travel of international performance groups across the US, including Chicago?

No, the grant is intended to promote a true exchange between Chicago groups and their international counterparts rather than a presentation of work by an international group. That said, a grant may support the Chicago portion of a larger, collaborative initiative that may include other cities.

Can the funds be used to bring collaborators from around the world to support a Chicago organization’s international project?

Yes, if the collaborators are brought to Chicago to accomplish the work OR the collaborators work with a Chicago-based group in an international location.