Chicago Art Department (CAD) cultivates new and emerging artists. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the core of what drives CAD is a 12-month residency program for 20 artists, challenging artists to take new steps, learn from others in the field, and connect with public audiences.
CAD aims to support artists by exploring studio art, exhibition, and learning opportunities. Through exhibitions, artist residencies, and community building, we are dedicated to cultivating voices, ideas, and practices based in the field of contemporary art. CAD seeks to serve the real-world needs of young artists looking to establish their personal practice, as well as provide a breeding ground of creative collaboration and exploration. What does this mean? It means ongoing arts collisions between artists and media, interdisciplinary exhibitions, learning initiatives like workshops, and unplanned outcomes – all stemming from our resident artist practices and their time at CAD.
CAD is housed inside of the historic Fountainhead building on South Halsted, in Pilsen. CAD has roughly 7000 square feet of studio, exhibition, and event space, used in many different ways by our artists and audience. CAD hosts an eclectic calendar of exhibitions and events every month. In addition, Resident Artists often work with other organizations to host cultural events such professional development workshops, exhibitions, or fundraisers. The hosting of outside events is part of an explicit goal to support Chicago organizations while connecting our Resident Artists to other professionals in the field.
