2007 Creative Chicago Expo

Exhibitors
Workshops
Conversations on Creativity
Press
Sponsors

Plan to join thousands of Chicago "creatives" -- artists and art organizations in all disciplines --  who attend this free day-long event at the Chicago Cultural Center.  Over 100 exhibitors and 18 workshops will focus on affordable housing, building community, finding space to work and present, starting a business, getting health care, funding your practice and maintaining creativity throughout. 

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs welcomes you to the fourth annual Creative Chicago Expo on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The Expo connects businesses, space, housing, and cultural resources with individuals and organizations in all artistic disciplines — music, film, fashion, theater, dance, visual arts, design, literary and new media.   Last year over 2,500 people participated in the free, day-long event  — meeting more than 70 vendors and attending 13 workshops.

Attend this free, day-long event to:
- Connect with vendors who provide business, space, housing, and cultural resources
- Learn from the experts in 18 workshops (9 about space; 9 about arts business)
- Listen and be inspired by our city’s most intriguing cultural practitioners
- Find a “Neighborhood Seeking Creatives” to set up places to live, work, and start a business
- “Ask the City” for individual or organization license, permit, and legal assistance.  

The Creative Chicago Expo began in 2003 as an affordable housing expo for artists.  It has grown into a day-long showcase of resources, programs, and tools for artists in all disciplines as well as an intensive opportunity to connect with peers and potential collaborators.

The Expo focuses on space, housing and business, all of which are important components of an artistic practice.  We celebrate our fourth year by featuring the most crucial aspect of all — Creativity. In a new speaker series, “Conversations on Creativity,” participants will be inspired by our city’s most intriguing practitioners as they speak candidly about their work and “thinking outside the box.”

The Creative Chicago Expo is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Chicago Department of Housing with support from LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), the Illinois Institute of Art, Paczolt Financial Group and media sponsor Chicago Reader.

For more information, contact Barbara Koenen at or Barbara.koenen@cityofchicago.org or Laura Tan at laura.tan@cityofchicago.org.

To receive more information on the Creative Chicago Expo, including schedule and exhibitor updates, sign up for the CAR e-newsletter.