Square Feet Chicago Introduction(Test)

Artists are very important to Chicago. The dynamic energy and life they bring to the city has been a catalyst for its cultural and economic renaissance.  Throughout its history, Chicago's world-class cultural institutions, schools, restaurants and cutting-edge music, theater and visual arts scenes contribute to its revitalization, leading to a steady stream of people, including artists, moving into the city. 

Unfortunately, one of the unintended consequences of this growth has been the displacement of artists themselves.  While the displacement of artists from areas they have helped rejuvenate and make fashionable is nothing new, several factors have recently converged, further limiting artists’ access to their traditional living and working spaces - warehouses and other types of commercial and industrial spaces. 

First, many of these buildings have been converted to residential use.  Increased demand for these spaces has contributed to escalating costs that put these properties outside of many artists’ financial capabilities. 

But there are spaces out there -- to buy and to lease, for live/work, performing, presenting, rehearsing, constructing, teaching and gathering -- that are affordable and appropriate.  Square Feet will help you find them.

Square Feet Chicago: The Artist’s Guide to Buying and Leasing Space began as a response to the issues and circumstances faced by artists when looking for space.  In addition to needing lots of affordable space, artists often want to live in communities where they will find the services, professional contacts and ambience most suited for their creative and professional needs. 

Square Feet Chicago is made possible through a cooperative agreement between Toronto Artscape and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Toronto Artscape developed the original manual, Square Feet: The Artist’s Guide to Renting and Buying Work Space, for the Toronto market.  Square Feet Chicago has been adapted, expanded, updated, revised and rewritten to reflect the needs and concerns of the Chicago-area arts community.