Imagine black people matter, black spaces matter and black objects matter. This philosophy underlies everything we see here at the Stony Island Arts Bank. This building is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to Chicago’s South Side and the power of community.
The Stony Island Arts Bank stands before us. It is a hybrid gallery, a media archive, a library and a community center. But it is so much more. It is a home for Rebuild Foundation’s archives and collections.
Let’s step back in time. The year is 1923. William Gibbons Uffendell designed this building. It was originally a vibrant community savings and loan. For decades, it served the neighborhood. By the 1980s, the branch closed. The building sat vacant and deteriorated.
Then, in 2013, artist Theaster Gates bought the building for only $1 from Chicago’s mayor. Gates radically restored it. In October 2015, the Stony Island Arts Bank reopened. It became a space for residents to preserve and share their heritage. It also became a destination for artists and scholars.
The transformation cost $6.5 million. But the result is priceless. The Stony Island Arts Bank is now a pivotal contribution to Chicago. It impacts the entire African-American community. It houses archives not found anywhere else in the world.
Inside the Stony Island Arts Bank, discover incredible collections. The Johnson Publishing Archive + Collections features books and periodicals from Ebony and Jet magazines. These publications offer a glimpse into black culture and history. The University of Chicago Glass Lantern Slides contain over 60,000 images. They document art and architecture from ancient times to the modern era. The Frankie Knuckles Records celebrate the Godfather of House Music. His vinyl collection is being digitized right here.
The Stony Island Arts Bank is not just a static display. It is a place for social engagement. It is an instigator for change. The Arts Bank hosts ever-changing exhibitions. The Gazebo commemorates Tamir Rice. It opens a dialogue for a better future.
Consider visiting on a Sunday. Public hours are from noon to 7 pm. Tours take place at 12:15 pm. Explore the exhibits. Delve into the archives. Engage with the community. The Stony Island Arts Bank is a place to reimagine and share our heritage. It embodies the belief that black people, black spaces and black objects truly matter. The Stony Island Arts Bank stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Chicago’s South Side.