Imagine, if you will, a haven for Chicago’s artists. That haven is the Chicago Art Department. Founded in 2004 by artists, educators, and activists, it emerged from a clear need. A need for a space where artists could flourish right here in Chicago. The Chicago Art Department fosters community, collaboration, and inclusion. It welcomes all individuals striving for civic change.
Today, the Chicago Art Department is artist-run. It’s a BIPOC-led nonprofit. Its mission is to provide space and resources. These enable civically-minded artists to grow. They also question the city around them. The Chicago Art Department offers opportunities. These are equitable and accessible. They foster artistic development through subsidized Studio Residencies and Collective Learning Cohorts. The Chicago Art Department also hosts contemporary Exhibitions and Programs rooted in justice.
For 20 years, the Chicago Art Department has championed creative Chicago voices. These voices might otherwise go unheard. Collectively founded in 2004, it has been located in Pilsen since 2005. The Chicago Art Department’s physical space is impressive. It features 11000 square feet. It includes two public galleries and private studio space. Up to 20 artists can work here. There are also community event areas.
Since starting the Studio Residency Program in 2012, the Chicago Art Department has thrived. It has worked with over 100 Resident artists. Through partnerships and exhibitions, it has exhibited works by over 1000 artists. The Chicago Art Department aims to be a collective. It unites diverse communities tied to each Resident artist and public program. This creates a rich tapestry of community and culture. Together, they work toward civic change.
With a mantra of TRY IT, MAKE IT, SHARE IT, the Chicago Art Department stands for advocacy. It seeks a more just society. It is committed to providing resources for the betterment of Chicago. It enhances the city and culture we live in and call home. The Chicago Art Department cultivates new and emerging artists. The core of what drives the Chicago Art Department is a 12-month residency program. It supports 20 artists. The Chicago Art Department challenges artists to take new steps. They learn from others and connect with public audiences.
The Chicago Art Department aims to support artists. It explores studio art, exhibition, and learning opportunities. Through exhibitions, artist residencies, and community building, the Chicago Art Department is dedicated to cultivating voices. It champions ideas and practices based in contemporary art. The Chicago Art Department seeks to serve the real-world needs of young artists. These artists are looking to establish their personal practice. It provides a breeding ground of creative collaboration and exploration. This means ongoing arts collisions between artists and media and interdisciplinary exhibitions. Learning initiatives like workshops, and unplanned outcomes happen here. All stemming from the resident artist practices and their time at the Chicago Art Department.
The Chicago Art Department is housed inside the historic Fountainhead building. It is located on South Halsted in Pilsen. The Chicago Art Department has roughly 7000 square feet of space. This space hosts studio, exhibition, and event activities. It is used in many different ways by artists and audience members. The Chicago Art Department hosts an eclectic calendar of exhibitions and events every month. Resident Artists often work with other organizations to host cultural events. Professional development workshops, exhibitions, or fundraisers happen here. The Chicago Art Department explicitly aims to support Chicago organizations. It also connects Resident Artists to other professionals in the field.
The Chicago Art Department is open to all artists. This inclusivity extends regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, gender identity, citizenship, geographic location, and income. The board members, staff, and volunteers reflect a diverse community. They are led by a majority of BIPOC voices. The Chicago Art Department participates in equity workshops. It makes subsidized and fully-funded opportunities available to artists of color, non-binary people, and those with disabilities.