The Chicago Film Office has launched the Independent Film Initiative (IFI) designed to retain, promote and provide career-enhancing opportunities for local film industry professionals and media makers. A centerpiece of the initiative is a filmmaker residency program - a year-long commitment with the Chicago Film Office that provides the selected local filmmaker with a $10,000 cash grant plus a package of industry discounts on equipment rentals and permits, meeting space and other incentives to assist in the completion of an original work. For information about the application, requirements and additional benefits, visit chicagofilmoffice.us.

Applications will soon open for the "ARC Residency" program for arts organizations presenting free, high-quality arts, culture, humanities or creative industries-related public programing for Chicago residents and visitors. Five Chicago-based arts and culture organizations will be selected to present their proposed series of free public programs at the Chicago Cultural Center and receive technical and marketing support, free space and a $5,000 award to expand the reach of their programming and widen their audiences while in residence at one of Chicago's premier cultural venues. The residency season begins October 2016 and runs through May 2017. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. More information will be posted later this month at cityofchicago.org/dcase.