DCASE Expands Art Funding with Launch of Next Stage Chicago, Investing Up To $400,000 in Emerging Theater Organizations

CHICAGO - The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced the launch of Next Stage Chicago, a new special funding initiative that will provide up to eight grants with a maximum of $50,000 each to help emerging nonprofit theater organizations strengthen operations, build capacity and support long-term sustainability. The initiative reflects DCASE's broader commitment to strengthening Chicago's cultural ecosystem through strategic investments, funding opportunities and resources that help artists and organizations thrive in every neighborhood.

Designed specifically for emerging producing theater organizations, Next Stage Chicago will support organizations that are actively building their audiences, strengthening their infrastructure and expanding their artistic impact. Grant funds may be used for organizational management, marketing and audience development, financial planning and development, production management, and strategic planning.

Chicago's theater community is a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity, generating opportunities for artists, attracting audiences from across the region and contributing to vibrant neighborhoods throughout the city.

"Arts and culture organizations are essential to the vitality of Chicago's neighborhoods, and we want to ensure they have access to the resources needed to grow and succeed," said DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. "Next Stage Chicago builds on our ongoing efforts to expand access to arts funding, strengthen cultural infrastructure and ensure Chicago remains one of the nation's leading cities for artistic innovation. DCASE is proud to serve as both a cultural leader and consistent resource for organizations working to advance the arts in communities across our city."

The announcement comes as DCASE continues advancing initiatives that strengthen Chicago's creative economy and cultural infrastructure. On June 3, 2026 at noon, Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt will deliver a City Club of Chicago presentation highlighting the state of Chicago's arts and cultural sector, DCASE's evolving role as a funding and resource partner, and opportunities for organizations and artists across the city. Community members, artists and cultural organizations are encouraged to tune in live.

Through programs like Next Stage Chicago and other funding opportunities, DCASE continues investing in the long-term success of Chicago's artists, cultural organizations and creative workers. Eligible applicants must be Chicago-based nonprofit theater or producing theater organizations that have been incorporated for at least three years and no more than 10 years, maintain an annual adjusted operating budget of $500,000 or less, and demonstrate a commitment to producing and presenting theatrical work.

Applications open Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT and close Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at noon CT.

For complete program guidelines, eligibility requirements and application information, visit the application page. The Next Stage Chicago grant program is one of several initiatives through which DCASE continues to invest in Chicago's artists, cultural organizations and creative workforce. Next Stage Chicago is supported in part by a grant from the Pritzker Foundation.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.