Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announce the new Performing Arts Venue Relief Program to help performing arts venues which have lost significant revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications open this week, and the program will provide $10,000 grants to up to 120 for-profit and nonprofit Chicago-based performing arts venues who have been closed to performances. The 2020 City of Chicago Performing Arts Venue Relief Grants Program was created, with support from the Walder Foundation and the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund and in partnership with Accion, to support this critical arts and culture sector with the challenges they face from the pandemic. Eligible entities must be located in Chicago, have a PPA (Public Place of Amusement) or Music and Dance license, and primarily produce or present performing arts programming – including theatre, dance, performance art, and/or live music or live mixing by DJs. Complete eligibility criteria and applications are available at chicago.gov/artsvenuerelief. Completed applications must be received by October 23 for consideration and grants will be distributed on a lottery system to qualified recipients.