2025 Night Out in the Parks CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Chicago Park District currently seeks proposals from Chicago-based organizations, collectives, and individual artists to participate in the 13th year of the Night Out in the Parks program. The season runs from June 1 - December 31, 2025.
Proposals are due by 11:59 pm Monday, December 9, 2024, for 2025 season consideration.
What Is Night Out in the Parks (NOITP)?
Since its inception in 2013, Night Out in the Parks has provided thousands of hours of safe, diverse, and unique arts programming in neighborhood parks, where artists and audiences can connect and celebrate Chicago’s rich cultural tapestry.
With generous support from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) as well as support from additional local funders, NOITP produces free cultural events annually in all 77 community areas of Chicago.
Through multiple disciplines: theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the Chicago Park District brings high-caliber performances and world-class cultural events into our parks.
What Are the Goals of Night Out in the Parks?
- To ensure that every Chicago neighborhood has access to quality arts and cultural programming that reflects Chicago’s robust cultural landscape.
- To provide all Chicagoans the opportunity to experience cultural events and celebrate local artists in their neighborhood parks.
- To support Chicago-based artists with new audiences, resources, and opportunities to grow.
- To increase Chicago parks’ utilization, safety, and community connectivity through the arts.
Acceptance of financial and non-financial support for your NOITP project binds you to the following agreements:
- to abide by all guidelines and deadlines to make best efforts in making community connections in support of your NOITP project(s)
- to remain in communication with your NOITP Liaison through the completion of the project(s)
- to attend the Partner Orientation in the spring
- to complete an End of Season Report and return in a timely fashion
- to follow the Chicago Park District Code of Conduct when communicating with the NOITP Liaison, Park Staff, and Park Patrons before, during, and after your event
- to abide by general Chicago Park District rules, including but not limited to No drinking of or sale of alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia; No violent content; No nudity; All sales of merchandise must be vetted through your NOITP Liaison
Night Out in the Parks Timeline 2024-2025
- November 1 Call for Proposals opens
- November 12 NOITP In-Person Info Session
- December 9 Call for Proposals closes
- Mid-January Review Process Ends
- March 1 Applicant Notification
- May 10 NOITP Season Announcement Celebration
- June-December NOITP Schedule of Events
Submitting A Strong Proposal
We recommend that first-time applicants and anyone looking for more detailed information on the program, proposal, and process begin by referring to our website for a full program overview, eligibility, FAQs, and a comprehensive virtual NOITP Call for Proposals Information Presentation. www.nightoutintheparks.com
Priority will be placed on partners who score the highest in all five areas of focus:
- Enriching and Engaging Programming
- Production Viability
- Commitment to Community Connectivity
- Budget Feasibility
- Professionalism and Self-Sufficiency
Some partners who apply for financial support may be offered space only, which includes marketing support.
Application Info Session
The NOITP Team will host a LIVE Info Session to review the application in depth and offer applicants the opportunity to ask questions. A virtual presentation will be available on the website.
The Info Session is not meant to be a grant writing course but rather to assist applicants in understanding what Night Out in the Parks seeks in a proposal. If you are a returning applicant, we suggest taking the time to familiarize yourself with our focus for this year's application.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024; 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Register HERE for the LIVE Info Session
Our NOITP Review Committee
Our NOITP Review Committee is made up of a diverse group of Chicago Park District staff and, at times, members from sister organizations who are deeply committed to the arts. Committee members are dedicated to selecting a wide range of programs that represent Chicago’s diverse demographics and artistic disciplines. They disclose conflicts of interest and review each application. Feedback from past grantees informs future grant strategies and processes.
ALL NIGHT OUT IN THE PARKS PROPOSALS ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024
If you have questions ABOUT THE PROCESS before, during, or after your application submission, please direct them via email to noitp@chicagoparkdistrict.com
If you require ACCESSIBILITY ASSISTANCE for submission, email us at noitp@chicagoparkdistrict.com
If you require TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE with this application, please reach out to https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/