Francine Almeda is a Chicago-based Filipina-American gallerist, independent curator, cultural producer, writer, and DJ. She is the Founder and Director of Tala, an independent contemporary art space and gallery with a multitudinous program containing a library and atrium marketplace. Prior to this, she founded Jude Gallery, an artist-run project and exhibition space which ran from 2021-2024. As a gallerist, Francine builds community-based platforms for artists that encourage transdisciplinary experimentation of all mediums with the goal of proposing new realities. Her practice nurtures new methods of collaboration in order to expand the capacities of art as a caretaking tool. With a focus on conceptual, narrative-driven curatorial projects, and public programming, Francine supports QTBIPOC artists at all stages of their career. She has spoken and sat on panels across Chicago, including the Arts Club of Chicago, Soho House Chicago, and The Silver Room. She was a participant in the ICI’s Curatorial Seminar (2022), and is currently a Curatorial Resident at Chicago Artists Coalition (2024-2026).
Image: Tala Inaugural Show Installation Shot - Credit: Steven Piper
Headshot: Steven Piper
CAC Residency
