TO GATHER / TOGETHER

Thank you for spending time with us on the Arts Block this year. Your presence brought energy and warmth to every moment, transforming our programs and events into something truly special. Together, we nurtured a vibrant community of artists, critics, performers, and creative entrepreneurs on the South Side, celebrating the power of collaboration and imagination.

As we look back on 2024, we invite you to re-experience these moments and celebrate the incredible connections we’ve built through our Artist Residencies, Exhibitions, Programs, Education, Creative Entrepreneurship, Chicago Critic’s Table, Cultural Stewardship, and South Side Home Movie Project.

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Launched in 2011, Arts + Public Life (APL), an initiative of UChicago Arts at the University of Chicago, has been providing residencies for Black and Brown artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions. We believe our greatest achievements are our relationships, and we want to thank you for a decade marked by meaningful exchange and ambitious cultural production.

Events and Programs

Make Your Reservation Today!

Check out the new APL event calendar to learn more about upcoming exhibitions, events, and programs at APL’s venues on the Arts Block, including the Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and the Arts Lawn.

All of our venues, Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and Arts Lawn, are wheelchair accessible. If you need additional accommodation in order to participate in our programs, you can include a note when you RSVP or contact us for assistance at artsandpubliclife@uchicago.edu.

Arts + Public Life events are free and open to the public.

A Dynamic Hub of Exploration, Expression, and Exchange

Arts + Public Life centers people of color and fosters neighborhood vibrancy through the arts on the South Side of Chicago.

 

Artist Residencies

 

Arts Education

Exhibitions

 

Creative Entrepreneurship

Programs + Events

 

Cultural Stewardship

 

We can’t wait to see you on the Arts Block

A creative corridor in the heart of Washington Park, the Arts Block is a vibrant collection of cultural and commercial spaces on historic Garfield Boulevard. The Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and Arts Lawn are operated and managed by Arts + Public Life.

 

The Arts Lawn

335-347 E. Garfield Boulevard

Green Line Performing Arts Center

329 E Garfield Boulevard

L1 Creative Business Accelerator + Retail Store

319 E Garfield Boulevard

Arts Incubator

301 E Garfield Boulevard

SUPPORT SOUTH SIDE ARTISTS

Arts + Public Life (APL) thrives thanks to supporters who help foster the vibrant creativity happening every day on the Arts Block. Learn more about how you can be a part of sustaining a rich ecosystem of South Side artists, youth, and entrepreneurs of color.