by Rowan Beaird
When people think of Chicago’s cultural landscape, they often conjure the stone steps of the Art Institute museum or the grand stage of the Lyric Opera.
But there are countless institutions dotting the 230 square miles that make up the city. Housed in old manufacturing buildings and army warehouses, converted boarding houses and backyards, these centers of art and culture enrich the lives of all Chicagoans. They’re rooted in the city’s neighborhoods and serve local communities.
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During a challenging year for the city, Facility encouraged dialogue and connection. Inspired by Black Lives Matter protests, Facility launched Amends in June 2020, a community-based art project designed to eradicate racism through self-reflection. In the same year, it used its public-facing windows to showcase the work of SAIC’s Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment graduates, who were unable to have a thesis show due to the pandemic. In all its efforts, Facility demonstrates art’s ability to bring people together.
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