Program areas at Hyde Park Art Center
Oakman clinton school & studios: the Art Center's open-access community-based school - the only Art school of such breadth on chicago's south side provides high-quality training in the visual arts by professional working artists with 2,500 enrollments annually. In spring 2022, the Art Center launched open arts, a core curriculum of contribute-what-you-can courses. Open arts includes all professional development courses and two-thirds of other courses with offerings for every age, skill level, and media - the first Art school in the country to run on this model.pathways k-8: partnering with a core group of schools on chicago's south side, the Art Center delivers visual-arts education to nearly 1,000 elementary students. This commitment to south side neighborhoods aims to transform arts education for students from historically underserved communities and change the future of chicago's arts landscape.
Teen programs: the Art Center provides a creative space and community for 150 teens with seven afterschool and summer programs. Through a combination of teen-driven independent and artist-led group projects, teens develop their own Art practices alongside leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Contemporary Art exhibitions: presenting 12 exhibitions annually, the Art Center provides emerging and groundbreaking artists with exhibition opportunities that allow them to take on ambitious and transformational new projects and garner greater recognition both locally and nationally. The Art Center has played an integral role in launching both the careers of individual artists and artist movements.
Jackman goldwasser residency: the artist residency program brings artists from around the world to live and work in chicago alongside local resident artists. The program encourages creative exchange and catalyzes global networks for chicago's artists and cultural institutions, while positioning chicago at the forefront of artistic innovation and cultural leadership.
Free community events: the Art Center provides opportunities to explore artmaking in a fun and friendly environment through a variety of events that demystify contemporary Art. The public gets to know and support the artists in their community. Through events like artist discussions and open-studio days, visitors have a chance to meet artists and be inquisitive about their creative process.