Research Partnerships

Homan Square

SAIC is partnering with the Foundation for Homan Square in North Lawndale to bring art and design programming, such as a visiting artists' residency and courses, to the West Side neighborhood. SAIC has made a long-term commitment to North Lawndale—the site of the first SAIC classroom space outside of downtown. In fall 2015, art and design education programs will become available to neighborhood residents ages four and older. SAIC's space in the newly-renovated circulation tower of the former Sears catalog production facility will house courses and workshops that aim to deliver core education in the visual arts, expose the community to contemporary artists, and help residents build their technical skills in design and technology.

Learn more about Homan Square and SAIC's work in the Nichols Tower.

Nichols Tower Artist-in-Residency

In spring 2016 in North Lawndale's historic Nichols Tower, SAIC will offer a full curriculum of art and design classes for ages 4 through senior citizen. To complement this year-round programming, SAIC will select three Artists-in-Residence annually to use the Tower as a studio space and platform for community participation. This program enables artists to apply their skills and perspectives to the needs of North Lawndale, a far west-side neighborhood in Chicago. The Artist-in-Residence will work with the community to develop creative solutions to local issues and help residents feel more connected to the places where they live and work. The Artist-in-Residence will engage with urban studies, public arts, sustainability, social practice, or use the city as a resource for inspiration in their art. The program will provide artists with studio space, assistants, honoraria, CTA passes, access to the school's resources, and opportunities to connect with the city's artists, institutions, and cultural communities.

Read about Scheherazade Tillet (MA 2005), SAIC's first Artist-in-Residence in the Nichols Tower.