MacArthur Foundation gives grants exclusively to Chicago arts scene

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has chosen Chicago's cultural landscape and arts scene to exclusively receive its artist grants in 2016.

The foundation named 14 Chicago arts organizations as the recipients of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, totaling $6.5 million in grants. Each organization will receive between $200,000 and $1 million.

The organizations awarded grants are: Red Orchid Theater, Albany Park Theater Project, Chicago Film Archives, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago Sinfonietta, Eighth Blackbird, Hyde Park Art Center, Links Hall, Lookinglass Theater, Lucky Plus Productions, The Hypocrites, TimeLine Theater and Young Chicago Authors.

The decision to award these grants solely to Chicago arts and culture community reflects the foundation's commitment to its hometown and its hope to strengthen the city's vibrant cultural life, a spokesperson said.

Many of the recipients are small and struggling theaters and arts centers, and the grants could mean they survive to provide more art and entertainment for Chicago audiences.