Creative Communities, Collective Futures

NALAC is pleased to announce the 2026 Chicago Regional! The convening will take place November 12-14 in Chicago, Illinois.

The call for proposals for the 2026 Chicago Regional has closed. More information about registration to attend the event will be available soon.

About the 2026 Chicago Regional

Grounded in community input, the Chicago Regional brings together artists, cultural workers and arts leaders to share knowledge and spark engagement within the local and regional Latinx/é arts and culture ecosystem. The convening highlights the vibrant voices and communities that inspire the region’s artistic and cultural vitality.

Under the banner of “Creative Communities, Collective Futures,” this convening focuses on bolstering Latinx/é artistic expressions, cultural stewardship, and regional collaborations. The Chicago Regional is about coming together, connecting, and centering creative experiences and participation.

In 2024, NALAC shared a Chicago Regional Planning Survey with local artists and arts and cultural leaders to identify topics of interest to the community. Based on the survey feedback, NALAC invites proposals that explore these interests and foster collaborations and opportunities that strengthen our foundations and support the flourishing of our communities y cultura.

Help Shape the Convening

NALAC invites local and regional artists, cultural workers, and arts leaders to submit proposals for workshops, roundtables, artist talks, and performances that will foster meaningful connections, impactful conversations, and engaging experiences. Your ideas will help shape the agenda, experience and impact of this event!

Topic areas may include, but are not limited to:

Arts Advocacy
Building Collaborations
Board Development
Financial Planning
Fundraising
Grant Writing
Marketing and Community Engagement
Performance and/or Artistic/Cultural Demonstrations
Strategic Planning
Writing Artist Statements
Writing Press Releases
Vendors/Market
Other

2026 Chicago Regional Request for Proposals

The call for proposals for the 2026 Chicago Regional has closed. More information about registration to attend the event will be available soon.

There are two submission types to choose from: Presenters and Performers/Vendors. The NALAC 2026 Chicago Planning Committee, a group of artists and arts and culture leaders from the Chicago area, will review submissions and, in collaboration with NALAC, notify selected presenters, performers, and vendors by early October 2026. Presenters, Performers, and Vendors receive a stipend for their participation in the 2026 Chicago Regional.

Registration is complimentary for all participants and attendees.

Request for Proposals: Presenters

NALAC invites local and regional artists, cultural workers, arts and cultural leaders, independent contractors, ensembles, collectives, and organizations to submit proposals that are community-centered, collaborative, and uplift local and regional interests and needs.

We welcome a wide range of formats, including workshops, roundtables, artist talks, coaching sessions, facilitated conversations, and other innovative approaches to foster engagement. Proposals may focus on artistic practice, community building, leadership, arts/cultural organizing, or professional development for individuals and/or organizations. Proposals should encourage participation and contribute to a vibrant exchange of knowledge and experience.

Please note that logistical details are still in the planning phases; we will have limited tech and space capacities. Please keep this in mind when imagining/crafting your proposal.

Presenters Apply Here

Request for Proposals: Performers and Vendors

NALAC invites artists, cultural workers, ensembles, collectives, and organizations to submit proposals for performances, demonstrations, and other creative expressions for the 2026 Chicago Regional.

Vendors: There will be a market space for vendors to exhibit and sell their arts, crafts, and creations.

Please note that the performance/demonstration and market spaces are still in the planning phases; we will have limited tech and space capacities. Performances should range from 15–30 minutes. Please keep this in mind when imagining/crafting the proposal for your:

- Artistic Demonstration
- Cultural Demonstration
- Performance
- Vendor/Market Space