Creativity is a universal, innate resource. It transcends race, class, age, abilities, geography — creativity can’t be redlined. And it’s inspired as much by hardship as beauty, by scarcity as abundance, by community as individuality. So perhaps it’s no wonder that it abounds in the Chicago area, across all 77 neighborhoods and all 100 suburbs, manifesting in our homes, businesses, community organizations and schools; festivals and events; parks and gardens.
Chicago is known for its blues and for Second City comedy, for groundbreaking architecture and sculpture, for eateries from street-cart casual to Michelin-starred fine dining. We’ve also got Broadway shows, the Lyric Opera and the Art Institute; Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Summer Smash; the Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival and the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo; street art, murals and mosaics in every neighborhood; festivals, markets and block clubs every weekend; active arts organizations such as the Arts Alliance, Arts Encounter Illinois and the Chicago Public Art Group; and countless more.
