About this Event
Arts + Public Life, an initiative of UChicago Arts at the University of Chicago, is excited to announce the grand opening of The Arts Lawn on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The Arts Lawn brings nearly an acre of beautifully designed green space to Garfield Boulevard and the Washington Park neighborhood. The Arts Lawn features Performance Pavilion, Native Garden, Rain Garden, Great Lawn, and a vending area (see the map below for more details). This new outdoor venue has been designed to support arts programming and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the neighborhood through arts marketplaces, film screenings, live performances, and youth arts education.
The inaugural ceremony (October 7, 2023, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.) will include remarks from leadership from the University of Chicago and the City of Chicago, performances by Kuumba Lynx, and a South Side Marching Band. There will also be family activities and a photo booth by Chicago favorite Glitter Guts. The evening will conclude with a world premiere of a short film by D-Composed projected on the Green Line Performing Arts Center exterior screen wall.
Throughout the day, guests will be invited to #SupportingSouthSideArtists at Vends + Vibes, a beloved annual arts marketplace showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local South Side vendors. More than 20 entrepreneurs will bring curated products, including handmade goods and art. In addition to Vends + Vibes, visitors can shop at the L1 Retail Store (319 E. Garfield Blvd) and purchase products created by APL’s current L1 Creative Business Accelerator fellows Samantha Jo of Samantha Jos Balm Yard, Jamica Harper of Red Elephant Candle Co. and Keyon Huggins of Hyde & Park Co as well as our Legacy Fellow Peter Gaona of Reformed School.
*THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE TO ARRIVE WILL RECEIVE ARTS + PUBLIC LIFE SWAG BAGS*
The Arts Lawn is in the final stage of construction. Click the link above to watch the first-look video!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Arts Lawn, 337 E. Garfield Blvd, Chicago, United States
USD 0.00