Arts and Public Life

Arts and Public Life Arts + Public Life (APL) is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange that centers peopl Learn more at artsandpubliclife.org

As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for for local artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions. Arts + Public Life (APL) is an initiative of UChicago Arts, and thrives thanks to the support of a community of generous donors whose gifts have sustained the Arts + Public Life initiativ

e, Arts Incubator (+ Gallery and Woodshop), Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Creative Business Accelerator and Retail Shop, and the vibrant creativity happening every day on the Arts Block on historic Garfield Boulevard in Washington Park.

Summer nights and jazz music are back. 🎷First Monday Jazz returns to the Arts Lawn for a landmark 13th season curated by...
05/28/2026

Summer nights and jazz music are back. 🎷

First Monday Jazz returns to the Arts Lawn for a landmark 13th season curated by Clif Wallace II. We are kicking things off this June with the phenomenal Pharez Whitted Quintet.

If you know Chicago jazz, you know Pharez Whitted. From performing at Carnegie Hall and the Billboard Music Awards to sharing stages with legends like Chaka Khan and Elvin Jones, this powerhouse trumpeter and educator brings an unmatched energy to the stage. You do not want to miss the chance to experience his quintet live in an intimate outdoor setting.

Clif will be DJing starting at 6pm.
The jazz music begins right at 7:00 PM.
Food trucks will be on site too!

Grab your blankets or low-profile lawn chairs and claim your spot on the grass. See you on Monday!

Happy Summer on the Arts Lawn! We are so excited for the month of June and the incredible lineup of programming we have ...
05/27/2026

Happy Summer on the Arts Lawn! We are so excited for the month of June and the incredible lineup of programming we have in store for the community. To celebrate finally making it through another winter, we invite you to come out, soak up the sun, and connect with us.

There is something for everyone this month. Bring a friend to enjoy First Monday Jazz, support local vendors at the L1 Markets, or find your center at Sunset Yoga. Check out the full calendar below to plan your visits.

Link in bio to register for events.

June 1 | First Monday Jazz - Pharez Whitted Quintet
June 1 | Tour the Arts Block
June 6 | Forever Fly Vintage Market
June 11 | Shades of Chicago: Mezcla Film Screening + Conversation
June 13 | Juneteenth with the Committed Knitters
June 13 | World Wide Knit in Public Day
June 24 | Sunset Yoga
June 25 | Poetry at the Pavilion
June 27 | PRIDE MARKET
Saturday Mornings | South Side Fireflies
Thursday-Saturdays | Sightlines, Ghosts, and Other Stories of the Impossible Gallery Hours

This week at APL, we are wrapping up the final days of May and looking back on what has been an absolutely outstanding m...
05/26/2026

This week at APL, we are wrapping up the final days of May and looking back on what has been an absolutely outstanding month of programming. We want to give a massive thank you to everyone who joined us, shared space with us, and made this month so special.

But the excitement doesn't stop here. Make sure you stay ready and hyped because next week kicks off an incredible Summer on the Arts Lawn! We have an amazing lineup coming your way, so keep your eyes peeled and get ready for a memorable season ahead.

Saturday, May 30 | South Side Fireflies
Thursday-Saturday | Sightlines, Ghosts, and Other Stories of the Impossible Gallery Hours

SAVE THE DATES! TheL1 Retail Store patio is the place to be this June. We are thrilled to announce two incredible market...
05/22/2026

SAVE THE DATES!
TheL1 Retail Store patio is the place to be this June.
We are thrilled to announce two incredible markets coming your way, celebrating South Side culture, community, and unmatched style.

☀️ Forever Fly Vintage Market: Summer Edition | June 6 | 12pm-6pm
Following the massive energy of our March debut, the Forever Fly Vintage Market returns for its second edition! This time, we are completely swapping out the winter layers for the ultimate sun-soaked South Side culture, style, and nostalgia.

We’re bringing back a few crowd-favorites alongside a fresh lineup of local collectors, independent creatives, and visionaries. Come ready to dig through rare retro threads, timeless literature, and incredible art. Stay tuned, the DJ + Vendor lineup will be announced soon!

🏳️‍🌈 PRIDE MARKET: Celebrating Pride on the South Side | June 27 | 12pm-6pm
PRIDE MARKET is a celebration of living out loud, honoring the vibrant, unapologetic history of Q***r culture and celebrating the community of those that are building Q***r space right here on the South Side. It will be a day of joy that extends far beyond just a place to shop.

Come shop from incredible LGBTQIA+ owned small businesses and L1 will also be partnering with vital local Q***r organizations that help amplify Q***r culture and community.

Come out to dance, shop Q***r-owned, and celebrate Black and Brown Q***r culture—because Pride on the South Side hits differently, and it’s always better when we show up together!

05/21/2026

Tomorrow, we are bringing the energy of BLK NWS off the screen and into the space. ✨

We have an incredible lineup of heavy-hitting artists coming together for a series of post-screening activations designed to mirror the powerful energy of the film. This isn't just a viewing—it’s a night of movement, making, and community.

Expect a live DJ set, interactive art-making stations, space for dancing, great conversation, drinks, and small bites.

Don't experience this alone. Text your friends, make your plans, and register today to secure your spot! Link in bio! See you tomorrow!

May is sprinting to the finish line, and we are going out strong on the Arts Block! We have a packed week ahead and you ...
05/18/2026

May is sprinting to the finish line, and we are going out strong on the Arts Block! We have a packed week ahead and you won’t want to miss a single second of it.

Start your week off right by grabbing a slice of birthday cake in honor of Lorraine Hansberry, and taking a guided tour to see everything our creative hub has to offer. While you're visiting, make sure to get lost in the beauty of Jess Ateino's exhibition in our gallery. Close out the week with a screening of an award winning film that also includes a dance party.

There’s no better way to wrap up the month than with a little bit of art, culture, and community. Click the link in our bio to check out the full schedule and register for your favorite programs now!

May 19th | Spring Lounge: Celebrating Lorraine Hansberry
May 19th | Tour the Arts Block
May 22nd | BLKNEWS: Terms & Conditions | Film Screening + Activations
May 23rd | South Side Fireflies
Thursday-Saturday | Sightlines, Ghosts, and Other Stories of the Impossible Gallery Hours

Celebrate Lorraine Hansberry’s birthday with us on the Arts Block! We’re honoring the legendary playwright right here in...
05/15/2026

Celebrate Lorraine Hansberry’s birthday with us on the Arts Block! We’re honoring the legendary playwright right here in the neighborhood she called home with a day of film, history, and community.

Start your visit in the Cultural Stewardship Reading Room for birthday cake and a screening of A Raisin in the Sun. You can also browse our South Side archives and grab a free Lorraine Hansberry book while supplies last!

L1 is joining the festivities by offering 15% off all Hansberry merch—including patches, pins, and stickers. Come through to celebrate a local icon and take home a piece of South Side history!

Spring Lounge: Celebrating Lorraine Hansberry
Tuesday, May 19 | 4:30 PM 7:00 PM
Arts Incubator | 301 East Garfield Boulevard
Register via the link in our bio

The excitement on the Arts Block continues! After an incredible first week of May, we have more great programming on dec...
05/11/2026

The excitement on the Arts Block continues! After an incredible first week of May, we have more great programming on deck, starting tonight. Visit our events calendar to learn more and register!

May 11 | First, Breathe Healing Arts Series
May 16 | South Side Fireflies
Thursday-Saturday | Sightlines, Ghosts, and Other Stories of the Impossible Gallery Hours

We’ve reached the final chapter of the First, Breathe: Healing Arts Series!Join as we explore what it means to REBUILD. ...
05/08/2026

We’ve reached the final chapter of the First, Breathe: Healing Arts Series!

Join as we explore what it means to REBUILD. This unique experience combines yoga led by Rhya Moffitt, followed by an immersive "Mark Making as Meditation" session with artist Candace Hunter.

We’ll have a few yoga mats on hand at Arts + Public Life, but they are limited! If you have a mat at home, please bring it along so we can make sure everyone has a comfortable space to move. See you there!

It’s been an incredible four months of poetry, collage, and movement, and we can’t wait to close this journey with our community.

How does an artist evolve from a writer and educator into the creator of a genre-bending opera?The Reva and David Logan ...
05/07/2026

How does an artist evolve from a writer and educator into the creator of a genre-bending opera?

The Reva and David Logan Center, alongside Arts + Public Life, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture, and OMSA, invites you to Artists Live. This series features intimate dialogues focusing on the lifelong development of acclaimed multidisciplinary creators.

This session features avery r. young, discussing the journey of his opera safronia. Fresh off its presentation at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Avery will share insights into his process and the blend of gospel, blues, and funk that defines his work.

Panelists: avery r. young, Sylvia Ewing, and LaRob K Rafael.

We encourage attendees to participate in this meaningful dialogue. Join us as we explore the artistic legacy and future of one of Chicago’s most vital voices.

Address

301 E Garfield Boulevard
Chicago, IL
60637

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm

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