Arts and Public Life

Arts and Public Life Arts + Public Life (APL) is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange that centers peopl Learn more at artsandpubliclife.org

As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions. Arts + Public Life (APL) is an initiative of UChicago Arts, and thrives thanks to the support of a community of generous donors whose gifts have sustained the Arts + Public Life initiativ

e, Arts Incubator (+ Gallery and Woodshop), Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Creative Business Accelerator and Retail Shop, and the vibrant creativity happening every day on the Arts Block on historic Garfield Boulevard in Washington Park.

APL is excited to offer summer internship opportunities for UChicago undergraduate students! This is a great way to get ...
04/03/2025

APL is excited to offer summer internship opportunities for UChicago undergraduate students!

This is a great way to get hands-on experience and learn more about the work we do at APL. As part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program, each internship comes with a stipend and access to a strong network of support.

APL Education Program Assistant Intern
*This paid, part-time internship is a chance to gain hands-on experience in arts education, support daily operations, and be part of a dynamic, project-based learning environment.

South Side Home Movie Public Programming Intern
*The South Side Home Movie Project is celebrating 20 years, and they’re looking for an undergraduate intern to be part of the journey. This is a hands-on opportunity to support public events, connect with the community, and help share the archive through screenings and exhibitions. If you're into public programming, archival research, or digital storytelling, this is your chance to dive in.

South Side Home Movie Project Collections Intern
*The South Side Home Movie Project is looking for a Collection Intern to help bring history to life. This role is all about cataloging and digitizing films, making the archive more accessible online, and researching themed collections for the website. If you’re interested in archival work, metadata, and digital storytelling, this is your chance to get hands-on experience.

APL Exhibition Intern
*he Arts Incubator is looking for an Exhibitions Intern to assist with research, coordination, and development of upcoming exhibitions. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain insight into curatorial practices and the behind-the-scenes work of exhibition planning. Interns must be available 15 hours per week (Thurs-Sat, 1-5 PM, with some evening events). If you're looking to build experience in exhibition planning and curatorial research, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

Learn more via the link in our bio!

Meet 2025 Chicago Critics Table member- Bri RobinsonDigital griot, art historian, analog collagist and Midwestern propag...
04/02/2025

Meet 2025 Chicago Critics Table member- Bri Robinson

Digital griot, art historian, analog collagist and Midwestern propagandist curious about the coalescence of art, sociology, and the technological. Devoted to amplifying perspectives from Black Midwesterners, both through traditional curatorial practices and innovative digital platforms, Bri is the co-founder of WITH(IN).DIGITAL, a pioneering initiative dedicated to supporting Black artists and creatives.

Join us next week!We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe Screening and DiscussionTuesd...
04/01/2025

Join us next week!

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM 8:30 PM
Green Line Performing Arts Center | 329 East Garfield Boulevard

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe: Film screening and conversation with director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu

"We Were Here" unveils the untold history of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe through iconic artworks. This multilingual film, shot across Europe, challenges the notion that all Blacks were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books.

This event is co-sponsored by the Black Baroque Project, Arts + Public Life, the Departments of Art History and of Romance Languages and Literature at the University of Chicago, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago.

Register via the link in our bio!

Spring has officially arrived on the Arts Block! This month, we’re bringing you a lineup of incredible programs and even...
03/31/2025

Spring has officially arrived on the Arts Block! This month, we’re bringing you a lineup of incredible programs and events designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate community. Don’t miss out—explore the full schedule and find something that speaks to you. Check out our events calendar—link in bio!

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion | April 8th | 6:30-8pm

the undercommons \ New Work by Brandon Carlton Exhibition Opening Reception | April 18th | 6pm-8pm

Committed Knitters April 2 + April 16 + April 30 | 11am-3pm

South Side Fireflies | April 5 + 12 | 11am-12pm

Community Yoga | Friday + Saturday Mornings | 9:30a-10:30a

Arts + Public Life proudly welcomes the newest cohort of the Chicago Critic’s Table. This year’s cohort features seven b...
03/27/2025

Arts + Public Life proudly welcomes the newest cohort of the Chicago Critic’s Table. This year’s cohort features seven brilliant thinkers, each bringing a unique lens to the city’s arts and culture.

Bri Robinson
Cortlyn Kelly
Felicia Holman
Jen Torwudzo-Stroh
Maira Khwaja
Nekita Thomas
Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel

This eight-month paid incubator is designed to amplify fresh voices in arts writing. The program is all about sharpening critical perspectives, fostering community, and deepening engagement with Chicago’s ever-evolving creative landscape.

Show them a warm welcome in the comments!

TOMORROW we’re celebrating the grand reopening of the L1 Retail Store and the return of Peter Gaona’s Reformed School to...
03/27/2025

TOMORROW we’re celebrating the grand reopening of the L1 Retail Store and the return of Peter Gaona’s Reformed School to the Arts Block! 🎉✨

As the 2025-26 Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Peter is launching a 15-month journey of creative expansion—kicking off with an evening of fashion, artistry, and community. Be the first to shop his latest handmade wearable art and grab an exclusive Reformed School pin, only available in-store!

Expect:
🧢 Hat sizing by Dandy Kingzman
🛍️ L1 Alumni brands curated by Peter—Hyde & Park Co., Red Elephant Candle Co., & H**p Heals Body Shop
🧵 Live patch sewing—bring your denim!
🎨 Coloring pages featuring Reformed School’s iconic cultural figures
🍹 Drinks, treats & more!

More than a party, this is the start of a year of activations making L1 a hub for entrepreneurship & collaboration on the South Side. Let’s toast to Peter’s next chapter and celebrate creativity in community!

📍 TOMORROW, March 28 | L1 Retail Store | Be there!

03/25/2025

It's UChicago Giving Day! 🌟 Arts + Public Life is participating! Your gift will uplift the rich ecosystem of South Side artists, youth, and creative entrepreneurs, who are becoming the cornerstones of our thriving neighborhood.

In addition to the traditional way of supporting us on our Giving Day page (see the link in our bio), join these fun challenges to help us win big:

-Hourly Power: The first gift to Giving Day each hour (now until 11:00 AM March 26th) gets an EXTRA $500 donation from UChicago💰

-Everything You Love Challenge: What makes APL special to you? Share your stories with and tag ! The unit with the most mentions will receive an EXTRA $500 donation!

-Hangout Spot Challenge: Share your favorite spot on the Arts Block with and tag . The area with the most mentions wins a $500 donation match!

-Pet Love Challenge: Share adorable pet pics/vids with or tag on Instagram Stories. Two winners get $500 for their chosen fund! 🐾

Arts + Public Life presents the undercommons, the first solo exhibition by painter Brandon Carlton, opening April 18, 20...
03/24/2025

Arts + Public Life presents the undercommons, the first solo exhibition by painter Brandon Carlton, opening April 18, 2025. Through his distinctive approach to stylized figuration, Carlton explores the complexities of contemporary Black life, using portraiture and spatial composition to evoke intimacy, distance, and presence.

Taking inspiration from The Undercommons: Fugitive Planning & Black Study by Fred Moten and Stefano Harney, the exhibition engages with their concept of the undercommons—a space of "fugitive sociality," where collective life unfolds beyond dominant structures. Carlton’s figures inhabit ambiguous realms—neither entirely confined by structure nor completely unbound by freedom. In these carefully orchestrated spaces, they embody a continual negotiation of identity, asserting agency and evoking the enduring presence of historical memory.

Carlton’s approach draws from the layered surfaces of Alex Katz and David Hockney, as well as Jordan Casteel’s nuanced portrayals of community and everyday encounters. Through gesture, color, and composition, his work reimagines presence, offering new ways of seeing and understanding Black life beyond fixed narratives.

the undercommons Exhibition Opening Reception
Friday, April 18 | 6pm-8pm
The Arts Incubator Gallery | 301 E. Garfield Blvd
Register via the link our bio

Who Peter and what makes Reformed School so unique?Founded in 2013, a pre-tied bowtie and accessories brand using repurp...
03/20/2025

Who Peter and what makes Reformed School so unique?

Founded in 2013, a pre-tied bowtie and accessories brand using repurposed materials. Since then the product line has grown to use fashion as a tool to educate. Reformed School combines art, fashion, and eco friendly materials together to create unique items you can wear and adorn your name.

ReformedSchool embodies a mission of using fashion to both educate and ignite discussions about history and social justice, all while maintaining a sense of style. These pieces serve as a tribute to the rich history and vibrant culture of the Black and LatinX communities, while also serving as catalysts for thoughtful conversations and mindful fashion choices.

Meet Peter and shop Reformed School products at the L1 Retail Store Grand Opening!

L1 Retail Store Grand Re-Opening
Friday, March 28th
Store Hours: 11am-7pm
Reception: 4pm-7pm
L1 Retail Store | 319 E. Garfield Blvd

🚨 South Side, mark your calendars! 🚨On March 28, we’re celebrating Reformed School’s return to the L1 Retail Store as we...
03/10/2025

🚨 South Side, mark your calendars! 🚨

On March 28, we’re celebrating Reformed School’s return to the L1 Retail Store as we welcome Peter Gaona back to the Arts Block as the 2025-26 Entrepreneur-in-Residence—and you do not want to miss this.

🔥 What’s happening at the Grand Re-Opening? 🔥
✨ Hat sizing by Dandy Kingzman
✨ L1 Alumni brands curated by Peter: Hyde & Park Co., Red Elephant Candle Co., and H**p Heals Body Shop
✨ Live patch sewing with Reformed School—bring your denim for a custom touch!
✨ Exclusive pin release (only available at the Grand Opening!)
✨ Coloring pages featuring Reformed School’s iconic cultural figures
✨ Drinks, treats, and a space to connect with the South Side community

Come through, show love, and shop a collection that celebrates craft, culture, and creativity. See you there! 🖤✂️

03/07/2025

✨🎶 Calling all little music lovers! 🎶✨ South Side Fireflies is, bringing joy, rhythm, and community to your Saturday mornings! ☀️✨ Let your toddlers and preschoolers explore sound and play through the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire songbook, led by an incredible lineup of teaching artists—Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid, and Julian Otis.

Join us on the Arts Block for free, family-friendly music sessions designed to get everyone moving, singing, and smiling. No registration needed—just pull up and let the music do the rest! 🎷🥁🎤

South Side Fireflies
Saturday mornings | 11am-12pm
Arts Incubator | 301 E. Garfield Blvd | 2nd floor
📍 Best for ages 1-5, but all are welcome!

Arts + Public Life is proud to announce the grand reopening of the L1 Retail Store and to welcome Peter Gaona and his Re...
03/06/2025

Arts + Public Life is proud to announce the grand reopening of the L1 Retail Store and to welcome Peter Gaona and his Reformed School back to the Arts Block as the 2025-26 Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

An alum of L1’s Creative Business Accelerator Fellowship, Peter is beginning a 15-month residency at L1 dedicated to growing and expanding his creative business. On March 28, we’re kicking things off with an evening of fashion, artistry, and community.

You will have the first look at a fresh collection of Peter’s handmade wearable art, along with the release of a limited-edition Reformed School pin, available exclusively in-store. The evening will also feature:

Hat sizing by Dandy Kingzman
L1 Alumni products Hyde & Park Co., Red Elephant Candle Co. and H**p Heals Body Shop curated by Peter
Live patch sewing - bring your denim for a custom touch
Coloring pages featuring Reformed School’s iconic cultural figures
Drinks, treats, and more!

More than a celebration, this event signals the beginning of a year of activations designed to highlight the L1 Retail Store as a vital hub for entrepreneurship and collaboration on the South Side.

Join us as we welcome Peter back, toast to his next chapter, and shop a collection that speaks to artisanship and culture.

Happy March! Spring is right around the corner and there is no better place to welcome the new season than on the Arts B...
03/05/2025

Happy March! Spring is right around the corner and there is no better place to welcome the new season than on the Arts Block! This month we have an exciting celebration at the L1 Retail store and don't forget we are still accepting Vends + Vibes Vendor applications are still open! See you on the Arts Block!

L1 Retail Store Grand Re-Opening Reception | March 28th | 4pm-7pm
Committed Knitters | March 19th | 11am-3pm
South Side Fireflies | Saturday mornings | 11am-12pm
Community Yoga with Latipha Rivers | Friday + Saturday mornings | 9:30a-10:30a

Exciting news! This Spring Quarter, UChicago undergrads have the chance to dive into APL’s work through a brand-new course. Explore how the arts shape neighborhood vibrancy while building relationships, engaging with the community, and learning the power of cultural stewardship. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, create, and make an impact! Register before the Spring Quarter starts!

Calling all makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs! Applications are still open for the annual Vends + Vibes Arts Marketplace—a beloved South Side tradition that brings community, culture, and creativity together. This is your chance to get your work in front of the right audience, grow your customer base, and be part of a legacy of South Side artistry. Applications are open now through April 14 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Link in bio to apply.

🚨 UChicago undergrads—this one’s for you! 🚨 For the first time ever, APL is offering a course just for you, designed to...
02/27/2025

🚨 UChicago undergrads—this one’s for you! 🚨 For the first time ever, APL is offering a course just for you, designed to connect you with the South Side’s rich arts community while gaining hands-on experience in community-engaged arts practice.

Each week, you'll dive into a different part of APL’s work—centering relationships, cultural stewardship, and deep community engagement. You’ll engage with South Side artists, learn directly from APL team members, and develop your own project ideas in our spaces on the Arts Block. Readings and guest speakers will offer insight into APL’s approach to cultural production in Washington Park.

If you’re looking to step beyond the classroom and into a vibrant creative community, this is your chance. Open to all UChicago undergrads—register now!
Arts + Public Life:
Relationships, Engagement and Cultural Stewardship on Chicago’s South Side
CHST 20500 Chicago Studies, Spring 2025
Fridays on the Arts Block: 9:30am - 12:20pm
March 28: First class

Learn more details on our website!

Homeownership is often seen as a dream—a sign of stability, success, and security. But beneath that dream are histories ...
02/21/2025

Homeownership is often seen as a dream—a sign of stability, success, and security. But beneath that dream are histories of exclusion, economic disparities, and cultural narratives that continue to shape access to homeownership today.

Join us for Winter Dean’s Salon: Dreaming Home, where APL Faculty Director and cultural theorist Adrienne Brown will be in conversation with Deborah L. Nelson (Dean, UChicago Humanities) and Robin Bartram (Sociologist) to unpack the racial, economic, and sociological realities of homeownership in America.

🏡 Winter Dean’s Salon: Dreaming Home 🏡
📅 February 25, 2025
📍 HYBRID EVENT | Green Line Performing Arts Center + Virtual on Zoom
⏰ IN PERSON | 6:00 PM Arts Block Tour | 6:30 PM Program | 7:30 PM Reception

Come early for a guided tour of the Arts Block at 6:00 PM before the conversation begins.

Let’s rethink, reimagine, and challenge what “home” really means.
RSVP now through the link in bio! ✨

02/20/2025

What if your toddler’s first concert was Earth, Wind & Fire? 🎶✨ At South Side Fireflies, little ones (and their grown-ups!) get to experience live music, rhythm, and play in a way that’s fun, interactive, and free!

Led by a powerhouse group of musicians—Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid & Julian Otis—this Saturday morning series is all about building joy and community through music. 🥁🎤

Come sing, dance, and make some memories with us on the Arts Block! No registration needed, but sign up for updates if you’d like. 💛

South Side Fireflies
Saturday mornings | 11am-12pm
📍 The Arts Incubator | 301 E. Garfield Blvd | 2nd floor
👶🏾 For ages 1-5 (but everyone is welcome!)

Are you a talented maker, artist, and/or creative entrepreneur with a passion for sharing your unique creations? Applica...
02/19/2025

Are you a talented maker, artist, and/or creative entrepreneur with a passion for sharing your unique creations? Applications are now open for the annual Vends + Vibes Arts Marketplace! Apply now to be part of a cherished summer tradition that brings community together and puts your work in front of the right audience. This is your chance to expand your customer base, connect with a legacy of South Side creativity, and showcase what makes your craft undeniable.

We're seeking vendors who:
🛍️ Create high-quality jewelry, apparel, home décor, apothecaries, beauty products, self-care items, vintage finds, delicious culinary delights, and more.
🌎 Have an established South Side customer base and/or you’re a South Side resident.
⭐ Align with the spirit of Vends + Vibes: Creativity, quality, and a connection to the South Side community.
💡 Have a strong online presence: Social media, website, or online shop.

What makes Vends + Vibes stand out:
Priority is given to South Side applicants
Zero fees – You keep 100% of your profits!
Share your art with the people of Washington Park and nearby South Side neighborhoods
Be part of the kickoff of Summer on the Arts Lawn 2025

💥 Application Deadline: Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM on April 14, 2025. Selected vendors will be notified by April 21.

Vends + Vibes 2025 takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, on the Arts Lawn | 337 E. Garfield Blvd

LINK IN BIO TO APPLY!!

02/14/2025

✨ South Side Fireflies is back this Saturday! ✨

Last week was pure joy—toddlers, music, and community all coming together on the Arts Block for a magical morning. And we’re just getting started! Join us every Saturday until April 12th for **South Side Fireflies**, a free early childhood music program where little ones (ages 1-5) explore sound and play through the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire songbook.

Led by incredible teaching artists **Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid, and Julian Otis**, Fireflies is a space for families to gather, move, and make music together.

South Side FIreflies
📍 **Saturdays | Arts Block** | 301 E. Garfield Blvd
📧 Registration not required, but sign up for updates!

See you and your little ones this weekend! 💫

Address

301 E Garfield Boulevard
Chicago, IL
60637

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm

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It's UChicago Giving Day! 🌟 Arts + Public Life is participating! Your gift will uplift the rich ecosystem of South Side artists, youth, and creative entrepreneurs, who are becoming the cornerstones of our thriving neighborhood. In addition to the traditional way of supporting us on our Giving Day page (see the link in our bio), join these fun challenges to help us win big: -Hourly Power: The first gift to Giving Day each hour (now until 11:00 AM March 26th) gets an EXTRA $500 donation from UChicago💰 -Everything You Love Challenge: What makes APL special to you? Share your stories with #UChiGivingDay and tag @artspubliclife! The unit with the most mentions will receive an EXTRA $500 donation! -Hangout Spot Challenge: Share your favorite spot on the Arts Block with #UChiGivingDay and tag @artspubliclife. The area with the most mentions wins a $500 donation match! -Pet Love Challenge: Share adorable pet pics/vids with #UChiGivingDay or tag @UChicago on Instagram Stories. Two winners get $500 for their chosen fund! 🐾

✨🎶 Calling all little music lovers! 🎶✨ South Side Fireflies is, bringing joy, rhythm, and community to your Saturday mornings! ☀️✨ Let your toddlers and preschoolers explore sound and play through the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire songbook, led by an incredible lineup of teaching artists—Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid, and Julian Otis. Join us on the Arts Block for free, family-friendly music sessions designed to get everyone moving, singing, and smiling. No registration needed—just pull up and let the music do the rest! 🎷🥁🎤 South Side Fireflies Saturday mornings | 11am-12pm Arts Incubator | 301 E. Garfield Blvd | 2nd floor 📍 Best for ages 1-5, but all are welcome!

What if your toddler’s first concert was Earth, Wind & Fire? 🎶✨ At South Side Fireflies, little ones (and their grown-ups!) get to experience live music, rhythm, and play in a way that’s fun, interactive, and free! Led by a powerhouse group of musicians—Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid & Julian Otis—this Saturday morning series is all about building joy and community through music. 🥁🎤 Come sing, dance, and make some memories with us on the Arts Block! No registration needed, but sign up for updates if you’d like. 💛 South Side Fireflies Saturday mornings | 11am-12pm 📍 The Arts Incubator | 301 E. Garfield Blvd | 2nd floor 👶🏾 For ages 1-5 (but everyone is welcome!)

✨ South Side Fireflies is back this Saturday! ✨ Last week was pure joy—toddlers, music, and community all coming together on the Arts Block for a magical morning. And we’re just getting started! Join us every Saturday until April 12th for **South Side Fireflies**, a free early childhood music program where little ones (ages 1-5) explore sound and play through the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire songbook. Led by incredible teaching artists **Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid, and Julian Otis**, Fireflies is a space for families to gather, move, and make music together. South Side FIreflies 📍 **Saturdays | Arts Block** | 301 E. Garfield Blvd 📧 Registration not required, but sign up for updates! See you and your little ones this weekend! 💫 #SouthSideFireflies #MusicForLittleOnes #ArtsBlock

Happening This Afternoon! Black Love, Big Screen, Beautiful Moments Join us today for an afternoon of music, memory, and making at the premiere of Rhythm & Love! 🖤✨ We’ve got everything you need for a soulful gathering: 💌 Collaging love notes with Candace Hunter 💐 A DIY Bouquet Bar for thoughtful gifting 🍫 Cozy treats—hot chocolate & cookies 🎶 A live moment with Reginald R. Robinson + Jacqueline Stewart Pull up with your people or come solo—let’s celebrate Black love together! See you soon. Rhythm & Love: A Valentine’s Day Pop-Up featuring Reginald Robinson Friday, February 14 | 4:30-6:30pm Green Line Performing Arts Center | 301 E. Garfield Blvd

South Side stories, Black love, and warm community vibes are happening on the Arts Block on Valentine's Day—join us for the premiere of Rhythm & Love, the newest remix of Spinning Home Movies, on the big screen! 📽️✨ Enjoy an afternoon at the Green Line filled with: 💌 Collage-making with Candace Hunter 💐 A DIY Bouquet Bar to gift or keep 🍫 Hot chocolate & holiday treats 🎶 Special guests Reginald R. Robinson + Jacqueline Stewart Rhythm & Love: A Valentine’s Day Pop-Up featuring Reginald Robinson Friday, February 14 | 4:30-6:30pm Green Line Performing Arts Center | 301 E. Garfield Blvd Register through the link in our bio!

Parents, we got you! 💛 Need a Saturday morning activity that’s fun, free, and full of music? Bring the little ones to South Side Fireflies! 🎶✨ We’re introducing toddlers and preschoolers to rhythm, sound, and movement through the timeless music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Led by amazing teaching artists—Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid & Julian Otis—this is a space to dance, play, and connect as a family. No sign-up required, just show up and let’s make some joyful noise together! 🥁🎤🎷 South Side Fireflies Saturday mornings | 11am-12pm Arts Incubator | 301 E. Garfield Blvd- second floor 👶🏾 Best for ages 1-5, but all are welcome!

Come celebrate Black love and legacy on February 14th on the Arts Block! Join us for an afternoon of connection, creativity, and community at the premiere of Rhythm & Love, a re-mixed episode of Spinning Home Movies featuring: 💌 Personalized Love Notes – collage with artist Candace Hunter 💐 DIY Bouquet Bar – craft a floral gift for someone special 🍪 Holiday Refreshments – cozy up with hot chocolate & cookies 🎶 Live Music & Conversation – Reginald R. Robinson + Jacqueline Stewart in person Bring your partner, your bestie, or come solo—this is a celebration for everyone! Rhythm & Love: A Valentine’s Day Pop-Up featuring Reginald Robinson Friday, February 14th | 4:30-6:30pm Green Line Performing Arts Center | 301 E. Garfield Blvd Learn more and register through the link in our bio!

2025 is shaping up to be a year full of exploration, expression, and exchange here on the Arts Block! We’re so excited for all the incredible moments ahead and can’t wait to share them with you. Stay connected—follow us here and subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing. Let’s make this year unforgettable, together.

✨ Warm up your holiday season with treasures that celebrate artistry, love, and good vibes! The L1 Retail Store is your destination for unique finds crafted by small businesses: 💛 Callie Decor brings uplifting energy with hand-painted wall tapestries inspired by hip-hop lyrics and soothing, custom-blended candles. 💎 Soma Gems offers stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry made with ethically sourced gemstones—each ring, bracelet, and necklace lovingly handmade in small batches and wrapped in eco-friendly packaging. 📍 Visit us at 319 E. Garfield Blvd, Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM. Shop small. Gift big. Let’s make the season shine brighter with thoughtful, handmade goods! 🎁✨

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Arts + Public Life (APL), an initiative of UChicago Arts, provides platforms for artists and access to arts programming through artist residencies, arts education, creative entrepreneurship, and artist-led programs and exhibitions. APL advances and promotes a robust, collaborative, and evolving relationship between the University of Chicago and the South Side’s vibrant civic, cultural, and artistic communities.

Chicago’s South Side is rich in cultural history and continues to sustain an arts community made up of individuals, small to mid-size organizations, and large institutions. Nestled within this framework is the University of Chicago with a thriving arts landscape in the form of curricular and co-curricular programs, interdisciplinary research centers and committees, presenting organizations, and student-run programs. The Arts + Public Life initiative addresses the ways in which university arts can best engage their communities, form alliances, expand their audiences, create and share knowledge, and offer their students, faculty, and staff life-changing experiences beyond campus while also creating opportunities to significantly invest in a uniquely local creative community in surrounding neighborhoods and the city at large. By implementing and supporting creative and innovative programming, the Arts + Public Life initiative inspires dialogue and fosters community partnerships based on creative endeavors that serve the diverse population of the city of Chicago with a specific concentration on the South Side. The Arts + Public Life Initiative focuses on the following: Advancing Artistic Ambition Amplifying Cultural Assets Revitalizing Neighboring Communities