Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced several public art projects to be completed this summer and fall. These include a neighborhood murals initiative and unique artwork by Chicago artists on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue, Green, and Orange lines. The artist-designed CTA train wraps will be on display starting in mid-August, alongside many neighborhood murals created by mainly Chicago-based artists in collaboration with community organizations. These murals will be installed at public sites in Humboldt Park, the West Loop, and Woodlawn/Washington Park. Additional murals will debut this fall in Bronzeville, Edgewater, Mayfair, South Chicago, and Uptown communities.

These new neighborhood murals will interpret themes of democracy, civic duty, diversity, equity, and inclusion while also celebrating Chicago’s Blues and House music legacies.

“Chicago is embracing public art as a defining characteristic of our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “My administration through DCASE is currently managing nearly 80 public art projects in airports, transit hubs, and other spaces — totaling $11 million in investments across 26 wards. We’re proud to share Chicago’s story and the power of the arts with residents in diverse communities across this great city, and with visitors from across the globe.”

“The new artist-designed train wraps are unique ‘moving murals’ on display throughout Chicago,” shared DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “Mayor Brandon Johnson and I believe that public art tells the story of our city — its beauty, its resilience, the soul of Chicago. We’re thrilled to be showcasing local artists and cultural communities on the CTA and with neighborhood murals.”

The artist-designed train wraps project is titled “Track(ed) Changes: Democracy runs through our neighborhoods.” It is produced and managed by the DCASE Public Art team in collaboration with the CTA—and curated by Chicago-based graphic designer and artist Bob Faust. Participating artists include Brandon Breaux, Bob Faust, Kristoffer McAfee, Noel Mercado, Carlos Rolón, Esperanza Rosas, Territory members including youth artists with Urban Gateways.

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations while investing in the creative economy to expand access to participation in arts throughout all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers; their programs serve both local residents and global visitors across various events such as festivals at Millennium Park or exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center.

For more details visit: Chicago.gov/DCASE

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