Aug 19, 2024 - Culture

New exhibits aim to attract DNC delegates to West and South Sides

Carrie Shepherd

Train on elevated tracks that is lighted from below. — The Wabash Lights is the only Loop installation in Next Stop: Chicago. Anyone with a phone can set the lights off and create their own design. Photo: Courtesy of Justine Bursoni

A Chicago cultural and civic organization is encouraging delegates and other DNC visitors to leave the Loop with the "Next Stop: Chicago" project.

The big picture: Gertie, led by Gov. JB Pritzker's niece Abby Pucker, awarded a total of $400,000 to seven groups creating installations and events in South and West Side neighborhoods that show how the city's creative communities extend past downtown.

Zoom in: The projects also highlight issues like development inequity or the lack of infrastructure.

Case in point: Go Green Griot Plaza, a pop-up grocer and events area at a closed CTA Green Line station in Englewood. The project showcases some of the great things happening in the area but also points to the need for a working train stop.
"Homecoming," an event Tuesday and Wednesday, brings Washington Park residents and neighbors to an Arts Lawn for refreshment and games — all in an effort to "reclaim leisure" on the South Side.

How it works: Delegates will receive a Ventra card in their welcome packet with a QR code detailing each project that can also be used to take the Green Line to each.

What they're saying: "We are a connected city, and we need to start thinking of ourselves and looking at ourselves as a city, as opposed to only by community," Pucker tells Axios.

If you go: Other events this week include a festival hosted by SKYArt in Garfield Park and a photo exhibit in Bronzeville.

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New exhibits aim to attract DNC delegates to West and South Sides

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