3-4-05
BY MIKE McNAMARA
If I told you there was an entire production, an entire event solely dedicated to helping actors and artists become homeowners, you'd probably fall out of your seat. Or at least raise your eyebrows a bit.
Insert drum roll…
The second annual Chicago Artists Space and Housing Expo will present over 80 exhibitors, as well as workshops and seminars, offering resources and opportunities related to the living, working and presenting needs of artists and art organizations. The expo will be held Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Departments of Cultural Affairs and Housing, this one-of-a-kind expo will offer services, tools and comprehensive information on topics such as home ownership, affordable housing, studio safety, investment property, health insurance, rehearsal and shared space, city codes and services and much more. If that wasn't exciting enough, admission is free.
"The Expo is a one-stop shop for members of the arts community to learn everything the city has to offer, from affordable housing to arts-related initiatives," said Molly Sullivan, spokesperson for the Department of Housing. Exhibitors from all areas of the home buying process will be on hand to answer any questions you might have and to give you the tools you need to take that next step, whether it's just getting started or it's finding a home that will fit your needs.
The Exhibitors
Few actors know that our city has entire housing developments dedicated to bringing artists into their community. Artist live/work endeavors, such as the Acme Artists Community (www.nnwac.org) and the Switching Station Artists Loft, have served as the home for a myriad of artists in Chicago, including ragtime pianist and 2004 MacArthur Fellow Reginald Robinson. Developers will be on hand at the Expo to present their upcoming projects and give you an in-depth look at these terrific initiatives.
Beyond housing developments, there are entire neighborhoods hoping to build or expand their creative contingent.
"Artists add so much to our city in so many different ways—beautification, education, entertainment, to name a few," said Barbara Koenen of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs. "Simply put, there is a wealth of great rewards that come when you have a place for artists in your community."
A special category of exhibitors, "Neighborhoods Seeking Artists" will showcase opportunities in Beverly/Mt. Greenwood, Bridgeport, Greater North Ashburn, Mid-South, Near Northwest, Pilsen/Chinatown, Southeast Chicago, Uptown/Edgewater, West Side/Garfield Park, Ravenswood, and Rogers Park.
The Workshops
The most exciting aspect of the Artists Housing Expo is the workshops. There will be ten 40-minute seminars specifically crafted for actors and artists yearning for affordable housing. Topics include: "Storefronts and other non-Traditional Buildings as Live, Work and Performance Space," "How to End the Credit Blues: Re-Building Your Financial Health," and "So You Wanna Open a Theata'? Inspections, Regulations and Tips," which will feature Julie Burros of the Department of Cultural Affairs and a representative from the League of Chicago Theaters. And, remember, all of these workshops are free.
"A strong arts community is critically important to any city's vitality and economy," said Lois Weisberg, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. "We are delighted to work with the Department of Housing to help Chicago artists take advantage of every opportunity to thrive in our city."
Barbara Koenen, Janina Castillo and everyone else behind this great event are genuinely passionate about providing affordable housing solutions for actors and artists here in Chicago. Also, I'll be there representing West America Mortgage Company and I need someone I know to visit me. Did I mention the Expo is free?
Next month's article will be the best installment yet. We'll take an in-depth look at CPAN, the Chicago Partnership for Affordable Neighborhoods, which I briefly discussed in the December PI (article available at www.performink.com). I was invited to meet with Bonnie Logan, CPAN Program Director, and I asked her to walk me through the entire CPAN home buying process. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience with you next month.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, even if you already are a homeowner, feel free to call or e-mail me anytime. As always, please send any comments or suggestions about this article, and let me know if there are topics you would like to see discussed.
Mike McNamara has been an actor in Chicago for the past seven years, in theatre, commercials, television and film. Mike is also a mortgage consultant and loan originator with West America Mortgage Company. He can be reached anytime at 773/398-0021 or McNamara310@aol.com.