3-30-07
Creative Chicago Expo
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…cue trumpets.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Chicago Department of Housing will hold the fourth annual Creative Chicago Expo on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St!
Though the event has another new name this year (I think they called it the Artists Housing Expo in ‘06 and the Chicago Artists Space and Housing Expo the year before that), the mission is the same. The Creative Chicago Expo connects business, space, housing, and cultural resources with individuals and organizations in all artistic disciplines, including music, film, fashion, theatre, dance, visual arts, design and new media.
Last year more than 2,500 people participated in the day-long event, which featured more than 70 vendors and 13 seminars. This year, the Expo adds one more hour to its schedule, and more resources to its line-up.
“Artists will not only learn about home ownership, business development and funding resources, but they will also connect with people from the Chicago art scene and even from their own neighborhoods,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg. “It’s a really wonderful opportunity for new collaborations and opportunities.”
How much do I have to pay to attend?
Nothing. It’s free, free, free. Next question.
What’s new at the Expo for this year?
There are three panel discussions this year you might find particularly worthwhile. “Conversations on Creativity” features public conversations between city practitioners, appealing to artists who may not need space or business tools, but who are very interested in innovations in creative practice. The multi-disciplinary pairings are to be announced. Confirmed practitioners include artist and fashion icon Nick Cave and musician Martin Atkins.
“Ask The City” features representatives from key city agencies (schools, libraries, park districts, zoning, buildings, business affairs, planning, special events, and more) who assist with everything from theatre licensing to zoning inquiries to getting gigs at neighborhood festivals.
Last but certainly not least is “Neighborhoods Seeking Creatives,” which features representatives from more than a dozen Chicago neighborhoods who have significant artistic resources, or the desire to attract them. These include coalitions of art organizations, chambers of commerce and local development corporations from Wicker Park/Bucktown, Pilsen, Uptown, Bronzeville, Rogers Park and many other neighborhoods.
What else can I do at the Expo?
The Creative Chicago Expo is here to help artists of all disciplines find affordable housing, both for themselves and their creative endeavors. According to the city, there are plenty of opportunities in and around Chicago.
“This year there are several new affordable artist housing developments that will be represented at the Expo, and we are beginning to look at artist housing as a component of the new Chicago Community Land Trust,” said Housing Commissioner John Markowski. “The Expo provides artists and their families with resources for affordable home-ownership in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.”
Affordable artist housing developments include new construction and rehab projects in development on the South and West sides. In addition, organizations with spaces – for rehearsal, performance, creating, selling – will also be featured. All participating vendors will be listed in the Chicago Creative Expo Directory, a program guide of businesses, agencies and organizations. Five thousand copies of the free directory will be distributed to Expo attendees and to a citywide network of agencies, local representatives, and arts organizations throughout the year.
How long has the Expo been around?
The Creative Chicago Expo began in 2003 as an affordable housing expo for artists. It has grown into a popular showcase of resources, programs, and tools for artists in all disciplines as well as an intensive opportunity to connect with peers and potential collaborators.
Any other interesting tidbits?
Uh huh. Chicago is the only city with a “Creative Expo” created specifically for the 80,000-plus artists living and working in the city today.
How do I find more information?
Visitors can call 312/744-6630 or visit www.CityofChicago.org for details. Also, feel free to e-mail me at findmac@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments.
So if you are at all interested in becoming a homeowner in the next year or two, or if you are looking for a space for your theatre troupe or arts organization, please make it a point to be at the Chicago Cultural Center for the Creative Chicago Expo on Saturday, April 21. Barbara Koenen and everyone else behind this great event are genuinely passionate about providing affordable housing solutions for actors and artists here in Chicago, and they deserve your support. Also, the Expo is free so you’re out of excuses!
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 me 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 eight 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 findmac@gmail.com.