Since 2011, the APL-CSRPC Artists-in-Residence program has centered Black and Brown artists working on Chicago’s South Side
‘All That Light' is retrospective exhibition celebrating 10 years of the Artists-in-Residence program at UChicago. Here attendees view Seen, a piece by Brandon Breaux. Photo: Joel Massionte
Not long ago, Victoria Martinez taught art in six different schools across Chicago while trying to maintain her own art practice. Now, five years after participating in the Artists-in-Residence program at the University of Chicago, she can focus on her art almost full time.
“I’m working as an artist; I’m making,” Martinez said. “I’m super excited to continue to chase my dreams.”
Two of Martinez’s installations can be seen in All That Light, a retrospective exhibition celebrating 10 years of the Artists-in-Residence program co-sponsored by UChicago’s Arts + Public Life and the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public through Sept. 11, showcases the work of over 30 former residents.
Over the past decade, the UChicago residency has springboarded many talented Chicago artists into the next stages of their careers. Last year Ayana Contreras, a 2014-15 resident, published her first book, Energy Never Dies: Afro-optimism and Creativity in Chicago. Cellist and composer Tomeka Reid (2012-13) has since released two albums with her jazz quartet.
Faheem Majeed, a member of the residency’s first-ever cohort in 2011, went on to exhibit a solo show at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and establish the Floating Museum, which creates large-scale public art around Chicago.
According to exhibition curator Tracie D. Hall, future Chicago art historians will distinguish between two eras: “before AIR and after AIR.”