Posted on March 1, 2008

MacArthur Foundation Boosts Support for Chicago Arts Groups, Creates International Connections Fund

The Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced that it is increasing the number of Chicago-area arts and culture organizations it supports and is creating a fund to help its Chicago grantees expand their international connections.

The foundation will raise its annual support for the arts and culture in Chicago from $5.5 million to $7 million, with most of the additional funding dedicated to increasing general operating support for existing grantees and boosting the number of organizations receiving support from 180 to 200. MacArthur makes grants directly to 46 large institutions (annual budgets of more than $2 million), while smaller arts organizations (budgets between $500,000 and $2 million) are supported through the MacArthur Fund at the Prince Charitable Trusts and small groups (budgets of less than $500,000) receive funding through the MacArthur Fund at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

The foundation, which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year, also announced the creation of a $1 million International Connections Fund to help its existing grantees in the Chicago area expand their international connections. Grants awarded through the fund will make it possible for recipients to send staff to international conferences, establish partnerships with organizations in other countries, and/or perform outside the United States.

"MacArthur is committed to Chicago, the place where the MacArthurs made their home and the foundation has its headquarters for our work in sixty countries," said foundation president Jonathan Fanton. "Our support for nearly one hundred and eighty arts organizations is not just an expression of our civic commitment; it is designed to help strengthen the cultural life of our city and region. And the new International Connections Fund reflects Chicago's growing reputation as a global city."