Chicago Art Department Email Format
Non-profit OrganizationsIllinois, United States2-10 Employees
Chicago Art Department (CAD) is a nonprofit, artist-driven organization based in Chicago, founded in 2004 by artists, educators, and activists. Located in Pilsen since 2005, it operates a 11,000-square-foot space that includes two public galleries, private studio spaces, and community areas, supporting a range of activities from subsidized Studio Residencies to Collective Learning Cohorts and contemporary exhibitions and programs rooted in justice. CAD’s work centers on civically minded artists, providing equitable and accessible opportunities to develop their practice while engaging with the city and broader communities toward civic change. The organization is BIPOC-led and emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and community—striving to amplify diverse Chicago voices through exhibitions, residencies, and public programs. CAD’s approach situates it within the nonprofit art and culture sector, focusing on space, resources, and programming that foster artistic development and social engagement within Chicago.