A NEW VISION FOR CHICAGO'S DOWNTOWN. RECLAIM. REIMAGINE. REVITALIZE.

CULTURE FUELS CHICAGO

What is the Cultural Stadium?

This project aims to inspire, guide, shape, and harness the power of arts and culture in reimagining and redefining the urban environment in a downtown that’s exciting and inclusive for all and in a way that celebrates downtown as the city’s heart.

Phase 1 will include three of the pillars of the Cultural Stadium:

The Cultural Umbrella

  • A program designed to engage and enrich the minds, bodies and families of all Chicago’s youth ages 3 to 13 through culture.
  • A public/private partnership offering the cultural assets in Chicago under one umbrella for FREE, providing educational and cultural access for every child in every neighborhood.
 

The Freshman Class

  • Align with or create a not-for-profit entity with a mission toward year-long residencies of rent-free non-living studio space to an initial cohort of visual artists.
  • Focus on supporting artists and on public art to create works that embrace an equitable city through inclusive design. Support projects that connect artists, residents, architects, engineers and city leaders for public installations and more.
  • Foster a cultural space subsidy program that makes space available at below market rent, awarded to applicants that best demonstrate their capabilities and intent to provide a social benefit to the community.
 

The Trove

Museums typically display only a fraction of their collections due to space limitations, with the rest stored away. Instead of hiding these works in traditional storage spaces, The Trove serves as an art storage facility that allows unprecedented access to artwork.

This architectural and cultural venue will allow visitors to explore art storage vaults, restoration workshops, and view art pieces that aren’t on permanent display in museums.

Chicago Cultural Stadium: a vision of Chicago revitalized and empowered by the Arts.