Free Resources for Chicago Artists

Chicago is full of creative people and artists. From student getting ready for classes this fall, to new Chicago residents, including long-time Chicagoans, if you are a creator, this site has something for you. And it is brought to you by working artists with support from the City of Chicago.

Artist Stories and Arts Professional Stories are brief essays, posted on Chicago Artists Resource, in which you describe an element of your artistic process. By sharing experiences and expertise with others in the field, you provide solutions and inspiration to other artists. Over time, these “stories” become a living archive of creative activity in Chicago, a resource to both the art world and general public alike. Check out the Artist Stories on CAR to date.

Everyone is invited to contribute an Artist Story or Arts Professional Story, whether you are an active artist, a teacher, an administrator, a funder, or even an audience member. CAR posts are Google-friendly, so your essay will be a top Google Search.

This site is a treasure trove for any artist. You can explore venues and spaces for your art or where to see art. There are listings of opportunities for literary, dance, music, theater, and visual artists. Whether you are a student artist or an established artist, the site is worth some browsing time.

Created by artists, for artists, Chicago Artists Resource (CAR) is a program of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events that describes the landscape of opportunity for Chicago artists working in Dance, Literary, Music, Theater and Visual Arts through a unique combination of

an artist-curated resource directory
links to local and national organizations
articles by national leaders in artist professional development
and the voices, artwork and experiences of Chicago artists.

Use CAR to strengthen your own artistic practice, and share your experience by submitting your own Artist Story or Arts Professional Story. To learn more about CAR, check out the FAQs. If you have a question or suggestion, let us know.