DCASE Visual Arts Exhibition Program Overview
The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) exhibition program features historic and contemporary art from around the world. It focuses on emerging and underrepresented artists living and working in Chicago. The program supports professional artists, curators, and arts organizations, enabling them to reach a broad audience in downtown Chicago. Public programming activates the exhibition program. This includes gallery tours, public conversations, and hands-on exploration in the Learning Lab. Interested parties can view previous exhibitions online.
Role of the Chicago Cultural Center
The DCASE exhibition program helps Chicago-based artists and curators advance their careers. They do this through new work production and retrospective exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center. This venue, a significant attraction in Chicago, serves as a crucial steppingstone for artists and curators.
As a non-commercial and public entity, the program encourages artists to take risks and engage with a broad audience. The Chicago Cultural Center prides itself on offering high-quality, experimental, community-oriented, and welcoming exhibitions.
Goals and Objectives
The goals of the DCASE Exhibitions program include:
- Advancing the careers of Chicago artists through exhibition opportunities.
- Establishing the Chicago Cultural Center as a hub for excellent, accessible, and engaging public exhibitions.
- Bridging connections between Chicago artists and the national and international arts communities.
- Supporting a diverse group of artists that reflect the cultural landscape of Chicago.
- Developing and maintaining long-term relationships with Chicago-based artists.
Exhibitions are curated and selected by the Visual Art staff in consultation with an Advisory Committee. Starting in 2024, artists, curators, and arts organizations can submit exhibition proposals for the 2025 and 2026 galleries at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Call for 2025-2026 Exhibition Proposals
DCASE invites artists, curators, and arts organizations to submit proposals for exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center galleries for 2025 and 2026. The exhibitions vary in form and size, ranging from one-person to group exhibitions of contemporary art, historical figures, cultural history, design, and architecture.
The curatorial team collaborates closely with artists, guest curators, and external organizations to create exhibitions. Due to the unique nature of the spaces and assets, extensive advance planning is required for each exhibition.
Timeline
- March 28: Application proposal template available; submission portal opens.
- April 11: Information session at the Chicago Cultural Center (optional).
- April 26: Online information session (optional).
- May 13: Application portal closes.
- End of June: Notification for second round applicants.
- Mid-August: Final decision notifications.
