Media Release: Artspace Southern Illinois Announces 2026 Southern Arts Fund Grant Recipients
For Immediate Release
Artspace Southern Illinois Announces 15 Grant Recipients for 2026 Southern Arts Fund
More than $33,000 invested in Southern Illinois arts and cultural projects following a highly competitive application cycle.
CARBONDALE, IL — March 19. 2026 — Artspace Southern Illinois is pleased to announce 15 community-driven arts and cultural projects as the recipients of the 2026 Southern Arts Fund—administered by Artspace Southern Illinois and supported by the Illinois Arts Council, Good Chaos, and regional donors. This year's recipients reflect a growing creative momentum across Southern Illinois. With 50 proposals requesting more than $150,000 in funding, the 2026 cycle was one of the most competitive in the Southern Arts Fund’s 15-year history. Artspace Southern Illinois invested more than $33,000 directly into artists, grassroots groups, educators, and cultural organizations committed to community engagement, economic vitality, and expanding access to the arts for underserved populations. This year’s grantees span six counties and include seven first‑time recipients—reflecting Artspace Southern Illinois’ commitment to expanding opportunities, nurturing new leadership, and supporting creative renewal across the region.
“This year's projects reflect the grit, imagination, and generosity that define Southern Illinois," said Dr. Chuck Benya, CEO & Executive Director, Artspace Southern Illinois. "These artists and organizations are creating work that inspires, heals, challenges, and brings people together—and we're proud to support them."
Community Impact
Every project funded through Southern Arts Fund is open to the public and designed to expand access to cultural arts experiences that build community pride and cultural vibrancy.
“Support from the Illinois Arts Council, Good Chaos, and our donors makes this possible," said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, Board President, Artspace Southern Illinois. “Their consistent investment in Southern Illinois gives artists, organizations, and audiences a sense of hope—and the resources needed to transform that hope into action."
2026 Southern Arts Fund Grant Recipients
Alexander Pulaski NAACP – Visit to the Legacy Sites & Artistic Response
ARTSCO – Teen Ceramics and Art Camp
Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois – Celebrating Freedom and Unity, Juneteenth
Carbondale Main Street – Brown Bag Concert Series
Carbondale Park District – Super Splash Park Student Art Contest
Carbondale United – Women of Black Wall Street Festival
Eldorado CUSD #4 – Community Crash Course in Ceramics
Franklin County Senior Services, Inc. – Arts on Wheels for Homebound and Rural Seniors
Harrisburg District Library – Spring/Summer Cultural Series
Heroes United, NFP – Freedom Sings: Healing through Music and Community Concert
Illinois Cinemaclique Association – Shot on Smartphone Film Festival
Katrina Renzaglia – Alto Pass Cinco de Mayo Festival
Oak Street Art – Oak Street Art Fair 10th Anniversary
WDBX 91.1 FM Community Radio – Friday Garden Concerts
Y'all Rock Community – DIY Day at the Eurma Hayes Center
Selection Information
Evaluation Criteria
Artistic excellence
Community impact
Outreach
Sustainability
Local support
Review Process
Southern Arts Fund applications are reviewed by a community panel and staff evaluators, with final approval made by the Artspace Southern Illinois Executive Committee.
About Artspace Southern Illinois
Artspace Southern Illinois is a nonprofit cultural arts organization serving the southern Illinois region with offices in Carbondale, Illinois. Founded in 1987 as a grassroots effort, Artspace Southern Illinois has grown to serve people from communities across the region, showcasing the arts through three dedicated venues and a network of partnerships. The organization offers services and resources to independent artists, provides grant funding for the cultural arts, and offers opportunities for people to experience and participate in the cultural arts, including in underserved communities and areas where it can have a significant impact. Artspace Southern Illinois receives support from the Illinois Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Illinois Humanities, Good Chaos, City of Carbondale, and generous donors throughout the region.
About the Southern Arts Fund
Now in its 15th year, the Southern Arts Fund remains an important source of grants and revenue for artists and organizations providing public programming throughout Southern Illinois. A grantmaking initiative administered by Artspace Southern Illinois, the Southern Arts Fund is made possible through support from the Illinois Arts Council, Good Chaos, and regional donors.
The Southern Arts Fund will reopen for proposals in late 2026. More information is available at: artspacesouthernillinois.org/grants
Media Contact
Chuck Benya, EdD, CEO & Executive Director, Artspace Southern Illinois
phone: 618-457-5100