Online Application for 2025 Season of Night Out in the Parks and Chicago Onscreen Now Open! Arts Performers and Filmmakers Invited to Apply

Application is open through December 9th for local artists interested in showcasing their talents to audiences in parks all across the city

CHICAGO - A call to all Chicago based artists! The Chicago Park District is looking to partner with performers, collectives, filmmakers, and organizations around the city to participate in the 13th season of the Night Out in the Parks cultural event series and the 12th annual Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase. The application for organizations and individual arts performers is now live at www.nightoutintheparks.com, with a deadline of December 9, 2024. The 2025 Night Out in the Parks season will start in May 2025.

Night Out in the Parks seeks to activate communities and bring diverse programming to all neighborhoods throughout the city. This program is looking for artists that have crafted unique performances that display art, nature, music, cultural traditions, and many other talents in ways that engage with audiences like never before. Giving a platform to Chicago based partners allows them to reach audiences in a more authentic way at no cost, right in their local parks.

"These free showcases of local talent and organizations encourages the activation of our communities and allows our park visitors to experience unique programming in their neighborhood parks," said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO, Rosa Escareño. "These cultural events shape the artistic landscape of the city and provide park patrons with the opportunity to enjoy artistic activities well into the evening."

The Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks partnership offers support in four key ways, including grant awards, a platform to perform in Chicago's parks, promotion of the performances widely through various outreach channels, and production assistance as available.

In its 13th year, the Chicago Park District is spotlighting Chicago's multi-disciplinary performances and events, and will seek out proposals that highlight Chicago's robust cultural landscape, celebrate local artists in their neighborhood parks, and support Chicago-based artists with new audiences, resources, and opportunities to grow.

Applicants are highly encouraged to submit projects that include an accessibility plan. This plan should encompass mobile access, bi-lingual narratives, ASL interpretation, audio description, and additional means of inclusiveness.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is a proud partner and a primary funder of this year-round, citywide initiative.

To be eligible to participate in the free, city-wide event series, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Chicago-based organization or artist (residency within the city of Chicago);
• Program/event must be offered to the community for free and be accessible and inclusive;
• Partners must commit to building a relationship with the park;
• Organizations must have $1 million general liability insurance naming the Chicago Park District an additional insured for all events;
• Have the ability to travel to and from a scheduled park with all equipment, performers and staff;
• NOITP events where artists have physical interactions with the general public are subject to fingerprint clearance/background check;
• Must be flexible in terms of scheduling. NOITP events may happen seven days a week, mostly in the evening. Due to the outdoor venues, there may be a need to reschedule events;
• If selected, you must confirm a performance schedule by mid-March, 2025.

Non-profit status is not a requirement for interested participants. Eligible Chicago-based arts organizations and artists can apply at www.nightoutintheparks.com. All proposals are due by 11:59 pm, Monday, December 9, 2024.

Chicago Onscreen

In addition, the Chicago Park District's Chicago Onscreen Local Film Festival is seeking proposals from interested filmmakers to apply for the celebratory 12th season of the movie showcase. Qualifying entries must be submitted by Monday, December 9, 2024 to www.nightoutintheparks.com.

For 12 years, Chicago Onscreen has showcased over 180 local films on the small screen in parks, dazzling thousands of viewers. This program allows filmmakers from Chicago to broadcast their passion projects based on the city to enthusiasts all over town. Filmmakers of all ages, skill level and professional experience are encouraged to submit work for consideration.

Selected films will be screened in outdoor movie showcases in local parks, starting in late summer 2025. Chosen films will receive an honorarium up to $500 in addition to the public screenings. Participants will be notified directly in April 2025.