Project Onward

Artists and WritersIllinois, United States11-50 Employees

Project Onward is a nonprofit organization that supports the career development of visual artists who have mental and developmental disabilities. By providing a dedicated studio and gallery space at the Bridgeport Art Center, the group offers artists access to workspace, materials, and professional guidance, enabling them to create and professionally present their work. The organization connects artists with the broader arts community and the public through exhibitions and sales, while offering programs designed to foster audience participation. Its mission emphasizes using art to promote empathy, reduce stigma around mental illness and developmental disabilities, and expand the social and economic value of the artists’ work so as to cultivate new audiences in the art market.

Based in Chicago, Project Onward operates within the artists and writers sector, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue artistic careers. The initiative targets artists who exhibit exceptional abilities yet face challenges related to autism or mental health, providing a safe, supportive environment and access to professional development opportunities. A notable recent development is the organization’s ongoing engagement with the local arts scene, including activities at the Bridgeport Art Center, which supports its role as a visible platform for professionally oriented, disability-inclusive artistry.

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