Last year more than 3,500 people participated in the free, day-long event, which featured more than 100 exhibitors and 23 workshops. This year, the Expo adds new exhibitors and additional workshops to its line-up, and introduces "Consult-a-thon," a unique opportunity for artists to schedule appointments for one-on-one consulting with experts. Donated door prizes include an annual membership to I-Go Cars, lifetime membership to Fractured Atlas, concert and theater tickets, museum memberships, film festival and public radio gift packs, and more.
The Creative Chicago Expo began in 2003 as an affordable housing expo for artists. It has grown into a popular showcase of resources, programs, and tools for artists in all disciplines as well as an intensive opportunity to connect with peers and potential collaborators. Chicago is the only city with a "Creative Expo" created specifically for the 100,000+ artists living and working in the city today.
"No other city offers such a rare opportunity for its working artists," said DCA Commissioner Lois Weisberg. "Thousands of Chicago artists will make their way through the Cultural Center at the Expo this year. They will connect with each other, discover what's happening in the industry, and to see what resources and opportunities are out there for them."
"While today's economy changes every day, Chicago's support of its cultural community remains steadfast," said DCD Acting Commissioner Christine Raguso. "The Department of Community Development is pleased to sponsor the Creative Chicago Expo, and connect Chicago's creative community with the spaces, housing, and assistance they need to thrive."
New this year, Consult-a-thon is a unique opportunity for artists to schedule appointments for one-on-one consulting with experts in organizational development and business issues for non-profits, career coaching for creatives, and discipline specific experts with advice about careers in fashion, music, visual art, dance, public art, theater, and more. Consultants include some of Chicago's top curators, casting agents, accountants, lawyers, career coaches, marketers and strategists. Each mini-consulting session runs 20 to 25 minutes and is $10.
Visit ChicagoArtistsResource.org for complete details.
