2026.02.05 Scholarships Available for the 2026 Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is offering scholarship funds of up to $1,500 to cover expenses related to attending the 2026 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference , to include registration, travel, and hotel costs. The 2026 LEAD Conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA, August 11- August 14, 2026.

The deadline for submitting IAC scholarship applications is Thursday, March 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM . The application must be submitted via IAC's Salesforce grant portal .

Applications will be accepted from staff of eligible Illinois not-for-profit arts organizations, units of government, and institutions of higher education that are directly responsible for making cultural arts programs and facilities accessible for people with disabilities. Priority will be given to IAC grantees that are first-time attendees and those from rural, high-poverty, BIPOC, and disability communities. Please note this scholarship is taxable to the individual attending the conference.

The LEAD Conference provides an opportunity for professionals in the field to develop best practices and resources, engage in conversations with colleagues and experts from around the world, and learn practical methods for designing inclusive arts experiences and environments. The LEAD Conference not only introduces those new to the field to cultural accessibility solutions but also provides ongoing learning, support, camaraderie, and motivation-necessary fuel for anyone working to change the status quo.

LEAD Conference registration and hotel information is available online at https://web.cvent.com/event/17bdd852-b76e-4a4c-bf53-1f67fa1ee7b1/summary

Follow this LINK to IAC's website for application details. For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director .