Fiscal Year: 2025

Our project aims to facilitate storytelling sessions with seniors, fostering the flow of memories and conversations in a comfortable and engaging environment. Through storytelling, we create meaningful connections and preserve the rich narratives of our elderly community members.

Just Below The Surface is an exploration of Chicago's Queer photographic history through the eyes of prolific photographers Diana Solis and Patric McCoy, whose work encapsulates Chicago’s Black and Brown LGBTQ+ communities throughout several decades. This exhibition will coincide with Chicago Art Departments 20th Anniversary and will be on view in person from September 14 - October 27, 2024.

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC) will host workshops with visiting Danish blacksmith, Lars Mørch, in September 2024, focused on traditional blacksmithing techniques and knife-making. Workshops are open to beginners and experienced blacksmiths. Motivated by his passion to share his years of knowledge and skills, Lars will also lead a demonstration of forge-welding techniques, open to all.

In a cross-industry collaboration, Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Ruth Page Center, and Graceland Cemetery will activate an underutilized public space with a free public program celebrating Chicago’s diverse dance community.

Mark Hansen is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.

Heather Moore is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.

Carly "Car" Riegger is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.

Emily Wilson Gillespie is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.

Lindsey Row-Heyveld is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.

Danielle "Elle" Billing is one of nine winners of the 2024 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities. This award is designed to support accessibility in the arts and celebrate the exceptional work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.