The Artists-In-Residence (AIRs) Program has supported over 36 individual artists whose work examines themes relevant to South Side communities and engages issues of race and ethnicity. The program has a strong record of helping launch careers, with alumni going on to exhibit works at Studio Museum in Harlem, the Venice Biennale, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, among other venues. The ten-month paid residency program provides space, materials, and stipends. During this program, artists have access to rehearsal, performance, and exhibition spaces on the Arts Block in Washington Park including the Arts Incubator and Green Line Performing Arts Center, and access to the academic and research resources of the University of Chicago.

APL/CSRPC
Artist-in-Residence (AIRs) Program

2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence Program

The Arts + Public Life / Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture Artists-in-Residence (AIRs) program is growing in new directions to create an even more meaningful experience for artists and our South Side communities. We look forward to sharing updates on the next chapter of the program when the time is right.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to share one of our new initiatives: the Arts Lawn Public Art Project. We’re honored to inaugurate this program with a major commission from Chicago-based artist Yvette Mayorga, whose upcoming installation on the Arts Lawn will contribute to the evolving visual and cultural landscape of Chicago’s South Side.  

Past APL/CSRPC Artists-in-Residence

2024: Candace Hunter + Ayanah Moor + Johnaé Strong

2023: Jess Atieno + Shani Crow + Gloria ‘Gloe Talamantes

2021: zakkiyyah najeebah dumas o’neal + Lola Ayisha Ogbara + A.J. McClenon

2019/20: Delano Dunn + Ben Lamar Gay + Anna Martine Whitehead

2018/19: Jarvis Boyland + Brandon Breaux + Amina Ross

2018 Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Residency: Marisol Plard Narváez + Glorimar Marrero Sánchez

2017/18: Victoria Martinez + Arif Smith + Brittney Leeanne Williams

2016/17: Lauren Ash + Stephen Flemister + Yaw Agyeman

2015/16: Greg Bray + Aquil Charlton + Nazafarin Lotfi

2014/15: Ayana Contreras + James T. Green + David Leggett

2014/15 Crossing Boundaries Artists: Alberto Aguilar + Honey Pot Performance

2013/14: David Boykin + Krista Franklin + Andres Hernandez

2012/13: LeRoy Bach + Cecil McDonald Jr. + Tomeka Reid + Cauleen Smith + avery r. young

2011/12: Faheem Majeed + Cathy Alva Mooses + eliza myrie