Changing Chicago one block at a time: Theaster Gates
CHICAGO -- Chicago artist and urban planner Theaster Gates is someone we all should know. He's bringing art to some of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods to not only revive the areas but to also recapture the community's history and character.
He is the founder of the Rebuild Foundation and a professor in the Department of Visual Art and director of Arts and Public Life at the University of Chicago.
Theaster Gates also answered viewer and audience questions about his work and how he's helping to transform the South Side of Chicago.
STONY ISLAND ARTS BANK
See how Theaster and his team transformed a once abandoned bank on Stony Island into a now world class arts center.
BLACK CINEMA HOUSE
Theaster is using art to change the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. There are now community gathering places and Black Cinema House is teaching the next generation of filmmakers how to best hone their craft. Aspiring filmmaker Cam Be talks about how Theaster and Black Cinema House have helped his career.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE CAFE
Right off the CTA's Green Line, the Arts Incubator, Bing Art Books store and the Currency Exchange Cafe are a part of Washington Park's revitalization. See how Theaster's vision has transformed this section of East Garfield Boulevard and how community residents are involved.
