Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago, under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ), has announced a new microsite (chicagocreativeplace.com) featuring 47 community-driven creative projects. These initiatives aim to promote racial healing and neighborhood revitalization. This platform is part of the Together We Heal Creative Place (TWHCP) cultural grant program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act as part of the Mayor’s Road to Recovery Plan.

Launched in 2022, TWHCP addresses the urgent need for racial equity and community healing in neighborhoods historically affected by disinvestment and the COVID-19 pandemic. The program stems from OERJ’s Together We Heal Framework introduced in 2022. It employs creative placemaking—integrating arts, culture, and community-guided design to transform public spaces into hubs of expression and connection.

“I am proud that my administration is empowering community artists, leaders, and organizations to address the racial, health, and economic challenges that have long impacted our communities,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through art and transformative storytelling, we are reclaiming our narratives...and envisioning a future filled with hope and opportunity for all Chicagoans.”

Supported by $5.8 million in funding, these 47 projects encompass performances, activations, public art initiatives, inclusive programs promoting healing, community engagement efforts aimed at beautifying public spaces, building or renovating community areas, driving economic growth while celebrating local culture.

"This citywide investment in intentional creative placemaking is crucial for nurturing cultural, social and economic vitality throughout neighborhoods," stated DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. "By integrating artistic and cultural efforts into community planning...we ensure all neighborhoods benefit from improved quality of life."

TWHCP centers grantees as designers of spaces addressing inequities within their communities. Dr. Meida McNeal, DCASE Senior Manager of Arts and Community Impact Investments remarked on specific projects like unBlocked Englewood: “Creative placemaking helps foster connection...steering Chicago closer to our shared vision.”

In 2023 alone, cultural grants increased by 25% from the previous year totaling $23.5 million—$10 million dedicated to public art underscoring Chicago's commitment to enriching its arts scene. Additionally providing technical assistance through City agencies ensures project design/implementation support services remain accessible.

“These projects are for Chicago; by Chicago,” commented Dr. Sharon Moore from ConTextos—a TWHCP grantee organization promoting healing via literary arts/educational programming.

For more information about Together We Heal Creative Place Program visit chicagocreativeplace.com or follow updates via DCASE’s social media platforms including Facebook (@ChicagoDCASE), Instagram (@chicagodcase), Twitter (@chicagodcase), LinkedIn (@chicagodcase), YouTube (@chicagodcase) along with subscribing directly through their newsletter services.

About The Department Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events:

DCASE supports artists/cultural organizations investing within creative economy expanding access/participation across Chicago's diverse neighborhoods producing iconic festivals/events serving millions locally/globally offering extensive resources managing public art/tv-film production permitting special events ensuring comprehensive city-wide involvement/details at Chicago.gov/DCASE

About The Office Of Equity And Racial Justice:

OERJ advances institutional change aiming equitable transformation within City service/resource distribution policy creation operationalizing practices resulting fair outcomes supporting departments normalizing racial equity concepts organizing staff transformational changes operationalizing practices ensuring just results available at Chicago.gov/equity