Introduction

The innovation, dynamism and passion for life that artists bring to Chicago have stimulated the city's cultural and economic renaissance. Chicago's world-class cultural institutions, schools, restaurants, cutting-edge music, and theater and visual arts scenes have contributed to its revitalization, leading a steady stream of people, including artists, to move here.

One of the unfortunate and unintended consequences of this growth has been the displacement of artists from the very areas they have rejuvenated and made fashionable. The conversion of many commercial and industrial buildings to residential use -- and the increased demand for such spaces -- has also made these properties unaffordable for many artists.

However, one can still find affordable, appropriate space in which to work, live, perform, exhibit, rehearse, construct, teach and gather. Square Feet Chicago: The Artist’s Guide to Buying and Leasing Space will help you find them.

Square Feet Chicago began as a response to the issues and circumstances artists face as they look for space. In addition to needing lots of affordable space, artists often want to live in communities where they will find the services, professional contacts and ambience most amenable to their creative and professional needs.

Square Feet Chicago is made possible through a cooperative agreement between Toronto Artscape and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Toronto Artscape developed the original manual, Square Feet: The Artist’s Guide to Renting and Buying Work Space, for the Toronto market. Square Feet Chicago has been adapted, expanded, updated, revised and rewritten to reflect the needs and concerns of the Chicago-area arts community.