In 2018, Chicago Artists Coalition took bold steps for its future by
moving to a new and dynamic location in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor.
CAC eliminated artist fees from its residency programs, created a
dedicated education center, and built out its new space as ADA
accessible. Today, the organization continues to build on its 45-year
history launching the careers of emerging artists and curators while
increasing awareness and appreciation for their work among collectors
and arts audiences.
Recent CAC alumni have exhibited their work
at Storm King, MoMA, The Whitney, LACMA, MCA, the Arts Club, and Hyde
Park Art Center and have secured curatorial positions at Gallery 400,
Corbett vs. Dempsey, The University Club, MOCP, MCA, The Renaissance
Society, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art among other organizations.
The CAC Story
In 1974, CAC began as a small group of artists advocating for rights, support and visibility in the city’s cultural landscape and economy. Small in size but mighty in impact, CAC was critical to the formation of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, the development of Chicago Artists Month and the passing of the Percent for Art Ordinance. The latter designates 1.33% of new construction or renovation budgets of public buildings to a public art fund dedicated to the commission, purchase and maintenance of public art in Chicago.
Since then, the organization has evolved and grown to meet the needs of Chicago’s artists. In 2011, CAC moved to Fulton Market, and launched its groundbreaking residencies and professional development programs. CAC was the first to offer a residency with a curatorial component (HATCH) and one of the only residency programs (BOLT) with onsite studio space and a guarantee of a solo exhibition to its six residents. 60 BOLT artists have had solo shows, 288 HATCH artists have participated in group shows, 2,950 artists have participated in professional development programs, and 24 curators have further developed their curatorial and exhibition making skills.
In 2018, CAC took bold steps for its future by moving to a new and dynamic location in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, building out its new space as ADA accessible, and eliminating artist fees from its residency programs. The organization continues to build on its 40 year history to launch the careers of emerging artists and curators while increasing awareness and appreciation for their work among collectors and arts audiences. Recent CAC alumni have exhibited their work at Storm King, MoMA, The Whitney, LACMA, MCA, the Arts Club, and Hyde Park Art Center and have secured curatorial or teaching positions at Gallery 400, Corbett vs. Dempsey, The University Club, MOCP, MCA, The Renaissance Society, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bard, and The New School, among others.
CAC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All contributions and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.