{"article":{"id":2196,"title":"Mayor Lightfoot Announces $$$ for Chicago Arts Recovery Program","excerpt":"","body":"<html><head></head><body><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419162/gzcycogxlj6yg3g5eo5o.png\"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Via PR</p><p>Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot Announces $11M in DCASE Grants for Chicago Nonprofit Arts Organizations—Including New “Chicago Arts Recovery Program”</p><p>CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the 2023 DCASE Cultural Grants Program plans, including $11M to be distributed to Chicago nonprofit arts organizations through the new “Chicago Arts Recovery Program,” providing $4.5M in project grant funding to aid arts organizations in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; and the annual “CityArts Program,” which grew by 223% last year and continues in 2023 with $6.5M in general operating support for nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines. These two programs are among the first to be released in 2023; the full list of annual Cultural Grant opportunities is below. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;“Nonprofit arts organizations are essential to the fabric of our city,\" said Mayor Lightfoot. \"The 2023 Cultural Grants program will support the nonprofits that empower artists and creative workers and ensure their continued recovery from the pandemic. This latest program builds upon our ongoing commitment to revitalize and strengthen our city's diverse arts community.”&nbsp;</p><p>Applications are now open for the new “Chicago Arts Recovery Program” with $4.5M available in support of marketing and audience development, facilities, technology, planning, and workforce development for nonprofit arts organizations. Supported by funds from the city’s American Rescue Plan (ARP), this program will provide resources to arts organizations to examine and address ongoing challenges brought on or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will range from $50,000 - $250,000 and include participation in learning cohorts. Applications are open now through February 28; register for webinars and apply at <a href=\"file://dc07nas02-smb/DCASE/SHARED/MKTNG%20COMMUNICATIONS/Cultural%20Grants/ChicagoCulturalGrants.org\">ChicagoCulturalGrants.org</a>.</p><p>Additionally, the 2023 “CityArts Program” will administer its full $6.5M budget in general operating support for local arts and cultural organizations of all sizes.&nbsp;In 2022, “CityArts” general operating grant sizes increased significantly and will continue in 2023 with one-time renewable awards of $10,000 - $50,000 for each recipient. These renewal grants introduce multi-year organizational support as a new standard practice for “CityArts.” Organizations not previously awarded support in 2022 will be eligible to apply for funding in 2023. Applications open February 10; to learn more, attend a webinar and apply, visit <a href=\"file://dc07nas02-smb/DCASE/SHARED/MKTNG%20COMMUNICATIONS/Cultural%20Grants/ChicagoCulturalGrants.org\">ChicagoCulturalGrants.org</a>.</p><p>DCASE held a series of convenings and input sessions over the past two years alongside public surveys to help determine funding allocations for existing programs and areas of focus for new strategies in the Cultural Grants program.</p><p>“Arts organizations across all disciplines are still reporting decreases in operating revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We listened to our cultural community and developed our funding programs in direct response to the needs expressed,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “These new programs are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that Chicago remains an innovative and thriving cultural hub.”</p><p>Over the past two years, DCASE’s budget has provided $36M in new arts and culture investments, including a $10M annual increase to the Cultural Grants Program and $16M in American Rescue Plan funds, signifying Mayor Lightfoot’s commitment to the reinvigoration of Chicago’s cultural sector.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class=\"image\"><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1721419163/fhnmewbiakcs5k3ely9w.png\"></figure><p>Following is the full calendar of 2023 annual Cultural Grants Programs:</p><ul><li>The rolling application for “Chicago Presents” will open in February 2023, offering presenting support for free, public programs.</li><li>DCASE will begin accepting ideas for the “Neighborhood Access Program” in April 2023, providing support for all types of community-based arts and culture activities.</li><li>The next “Individual Artists Program” cycle will open in November 2023, providing project-based funding for practicing artists.</li><li>As announced, the “Chicago Arts Recovery Program” is currently open and the “CityArts Program” opens February 10, 2023.</li><li>To learn about DCASE Cultural Grants and recent grantees, visit <a href=\"https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=Fx6ZlfogyykExOP4a2vWQ-2BYoADnFZ1-2FkCd-2Fs-2BmWJ8jJm2UkzsvzFn4KaW1rmEWAFLkic_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361bxTlVvSJOPsz0o7fGsqpLKs5m-2F0xWf2AcZIAsgGO-2F0K72Gm4tG4nOwf19TF-2BxqkXh7MuWtsI3H8WA7RGokFXHjcYikU83ypttzjddy3zUVO9davYF84tiyAJ2iuXGgbkrjn-2BQKlQKnhdKEFXPcL8sk7e4OWt8-2BSzvFma9TIZCY68D0XHlo97uhPq-2FeVnHacHluMezUH5plR83ZpwqNIpDWUNDZNt5OfwXV7AZGBs3MhD6Kpbl7BOA6o1imdOBWf9hOzAyP-2FwgggB9ZRQbpCtlA-3D-3D\">chicagoculturalgrants.org</a>.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>DCASE is committed to strengthening the capacity of Chicago’s arts and culture sector through connecting artists and arts organizations with City of Chicago grants and resources. Together, these programs provide a range of funding opportunities to bolster artists’ livelihoods as part of Chicago’s thriving arts economy and to bring enriching and impactful arts activities and services throughout Chicago’s communities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href=\"https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=jd8-2BsLkKeKzJJH-2F5YciLh-2BdE-2B7EBzBHO2B-2FGeaUzWA-2FjN6Pcvk0L4rcjBoDybGU2Y4H9_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361bxTlVvSJOPsz0o7fGsqpLKs5m-2F0xWf2AcZIAsgGO-2F0K72Gm4tG4nOwf19TF-2BxqkXh7MuWtsI3H8WA7RGokFXHjcYikU83ypttzjddy3zUVPj35QUu03ClG8iuk7H7oMi3EEsRNbRutzTcAGZe4D3QYVatU2SiPCZxqwBk-2BXejy4Fbombl0sGmxjEpgf2SZA-2FW5Hp4ZvjRWJytuZr4-2BffpZEfQZJsNHb2AX26G4mWe8YE9HPwtbyWe4V3zqJCPpO2Agi7I8xKc70wKL37bQrG5Q-3D-3D\">2022 DCASE Impact Report</a> Released</p><p>In 2022, a transformational $10M increase to the Cultural Grants budget, from $2.7 million to $12.7M, empowered DCASE to award more than 630 grants across seven programs, a 25% increase over the previous year.</p><p>There was a 60% increase in average grant size through “Individual Artists Program,” 60% of which were made to BIPOC artists and grants awarded in all 50 wards, compared to only 35 wards in 2016. The “Neighborhood Access Program” provided $1M in funding to 33 organizations and artists leading arts and culture projects in their neighborhoods, 85% of which are located on the South and West Sides and the “Together We Heal Creative Place Program” awarded $5.5 million to 48 grantees to support artists in designing and implementing art projects that promote healing and transformation in Chicago’s neighborhoods.</p><p>2022 was also the Year of Chicago Dance, which spotlighted and supported the dance sector with more than 80 grants to artists and dance organizations and a direct investment of over $2.2 million. In 2023, six dance artists have received an award of space, time, and funding for the development of new dance work in the Chicago Cultural Center dance studio, with support from the Walder Foundation.</p><p>At a reception last night celebrating DCASE 2022 grantees, Commissioner Harkey shared, “The $10 million increase in DCASE’s 2022 budget was historic, but also significant because it is intended to continue well into the future, no longer requiring that DCASE rely solely on the hotel occupancy tax to fund arts and culture. I’d like to take a moment to thank Mayor Lightfoot and her team – as well as First Lady Amy Eshleman – for their unprecedented support for Chicago’s arts and culture, both downtown and in diverse communities across our city. In 2023, DCASE will continue to position Chicago’s cultural vitality as a driving and defining part of our city.”</p><p>&nbsp;Visit the recently released digital <a href=\"https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=jd8-2BsLkKeKzJJH-2F5YciLh-2BdE-2B7EBzBHO2B-2FGeaUzWA-2FjN6Pcvk0L4rcjBoDybGU2TpvZ_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361bxTlVvSJOPsz0o7fGsqpLKs5m-2F0xWf2AcZIAsgGO-2F0K72Gm4tG4nOwf19TF-2BxqkXh7MuWtsI3H8WA7RGokFXHjcYikU83ypttzjddy3zUVO3YydX9QcIvx-2B9jjaFEKdwHkSDtJGuAysccrO96uFsdDvWpnNnU-2B1GFAvNC-2BcviAmSNJu91sTdj75z33u9KoV9uc5QIu-2BSdZFb66BZf-2BFy-2FgH9-2BYvkjPRgGLuhXHn-2B8pMn3N7Nfz9zmNE858Go7RR9t-2B8DxftW-2F21JMV4ff8Vdfg-3D-3D\">DCASE 2022 Impact Report</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Chicago Recovery Plan</strong></p><p>The Chicago Recovery Plan is the City’s plan to amplify once-in-a-generation federal funding to create an equity-based investment strategy to catalyze a sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding under the Chicago Recovery Plan, which includes funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) and over $600 million in local bond funds, is allocated alongside all other available resources in the City budget to maximize this opportunity over the next 3-5 year funding period. The initiatives and strategic priorities that make up the Chicago Recovery Plan were a result of several stages of community engagement and input during the 2022 budget development process.&nbsp; View the City’s complete <a href=\"https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=jd8-2BsLkKeKzJJH-2F5YciLh6tttf-2B1J48YQf9-2F23T8GrCRf4AHAFlPtJ22IyD5HdzfmL4bA5UfwxKdK40nNIhDBeJnIVRYeicmytYCqkQ31EDnHfLxWZij3GM6RmyvB-2F70nC2xaUty1G3YI2rR9OEWwg-3D-3DuW3d_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP9LJ6jv7-2Bb0c97UF1yE1XeiKasl3Q0KHAlfCn9N7XONZksYe5OIXa5kf5eLUqZODuRSP9aq4SJ-2B49W0jH0wJ361bxTlVvSJOPsz0o7fGsqpLKs5m-2F0xWf2AcZIAsgGO-2F0K72Gm4tG4nOwf19TF-2BxqkXh7MuWtsI3H8WA7RGokFXHjcYikU83ypttzjddy3zUVPWRPDmfUFveQ-2BLSgPEoxQL1bvqHYxsoGyrkHsqdBbmxRjH9noat-2BfKe2jB5O1N4ixcBgcknW-2BtuvvnMNTUPCzwV27oJqjzIu-2F5B-2FfcNhtfyCJqSc5xrIyfQUqCt97GoD7-2Fc-2F9R1MuyEVB0-2Fqt8Wlcj561ruMCdOg5GW4y5RwFIXg-3D-3D\">Chicago</a> Recovery Plan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></body></html>","published_at":"2023-02-03 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'year':100B,350B,403B,492B,739B,843B,1113B","thumbnail":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/v1721767448/mu7a7yppuvto8vsgakqh.png","editor_pick":false,"category_name":"Announcements"},"related":[{"id":14456,"title":"Illinois Holocaust Museum to Reopen November 11 Following Renovation","excerpt":"","body":"<p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1792084737/qrikvx76nvvt5agq24rq.jpg\"></p><p><br></p><p>By CGN STAFF</p><p><br></p><p>Illinois Holocaust Museum &amp; Education Center will reopen its Skokie location on November 11, 2026, following a renovation that expands visitor spaces, updates its core Holocaust exhibition and adds a new reflection gallery. The reopening is timed to coincide with Veterans Day. Active military personnel, veterans and their families will receive free admission that day.</p><p><br></p><p>The project includes a redesigned Lillian &amp; Larry Goodman Auditorium and Gallery, an enlarged lobby in the Shapiro Family Foundation Welcome Center, and a refreshed Resilience Hall with an expanded stage for presentations and public programs.</p><p><br></p><p>Updates to the Zev &amp; Shifra Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition include additional material on the roots of antisemitism, the story of Chicago resident Leo Edelman, and the experiences of other groups targeted by the Nazis. A new reflection gallery, accessible from the exhibition, offers visitors a quiet space during and after their visit.</p><p><br></p><p>“Every visitor’s experience now begins differently and runs deeper,” said Kelley Szany, the Museum’s senior vice president of education and exhibitions. “The new welcome center sets the tone from the moment people arrive, the enhanced core Holocaust exhibition brings the history and the voices of survivors into sharper focus, and our new auditorium gives us a place to gather, listen, and talk about what it means for our communities today.”</p><p><br></p><p>Existing attractions, including the virtual reality theater, the interactive Survivor Stories Experience holographic theater, the Take A Stand Center and the Voices of Genocide Exhibition, will remain part of the Museum’s offerings.</p><p><br></p><p>Following the reopening,&nbsp;<em>Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare</em>&nbsp;will open November 15 in the special exhibition gallery. Created by and on loan from Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the exhibition examines the intersections of politics, antisemitism, freedom of speech and national security during the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s. It will remain on view through March 2027.</p><p><br></p><p>The Museum’s satellite location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, <span style=\"color: rgb(13, 13, 13);\">Experience360, </span>will remain open through December 31, 2026. The downtown space opened during the Skokie renovation to provide continued access to the Museum’s immersive exhibitions.</p><p><br></p><p>For information and ticket reservations, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ilholocaustmuseum.org</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(136, 136, 136);\">Image: Museum exterior. 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For much of its history, collectors and visitors gathered at Navy Pier to discover works in glass, ceramics, wood, metal and fiber, alongside sculpture and design. Its focus on materials and craftsmanship gave the fair a distinct identity and cultivated a devoted audience.</p><p><br></p><p>The announcement comes as the inaugural Chicago Art Fair gets underway at THE MART. The new fair opened with a preview on October 7 and continues through October 10, presenting modern and contemporary art. Tim von Gal, CEO and producer of SOFA Chicago and CEO of Intersect Art and Design, was in Chicago this week for the occasion.</p><p>Organizers describe the 2027 collaboration as two distinct but complementary presentations under one roof, with SOFA’s focus on three-dimensional art and design alongside Chicago Art Fair’s broader offerings.</p><p><br></p><p>“Chicago has always been an extraordinary home for SOFA and a city with a deep appreciation for art, craft, architecture and design,” said von Gal in the announcement. “Joining the Chicago Art Fair at THE MART gives us the opportunity to build upon that legacy while creating an exciting new experience for collectors and exhibitors alike.”</p><p>Eric Smith, owner of Chicago Art Fair and CEO of Redwood Art Group, said the addition would broaden the fair’s scope while preserving SOFA’s identity.</p><p><br></p><p>“SOFA has a remarkable legacy and a distinct identity, and its return adds an important new dimension to the fair while reinforcing Chicago’s position as a destination for collectors, galleries and art lovers from around the world,” Smith said.</p><p><br></p><p>For those who remember SOFA as an annual opportunity to encounter ambitious work in craft and design, the return will be welcome news. The participating galleries and programming, still to be announced, will provide a fuller picture of how that legacy will take shape in its new setting.</p><p><br></p><p>SOFA Chicago is produced by Intersect Art and Design, which also organizes annual art and design fairs in Aspen and Palm Springs.</p><p><br></p><p>Additional details about exhibitors, partnerships and tickets are expected in the coming months. </p><p><br></p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https://chicagoartfair.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">chicagoartfair.com</a> for updates.</p>","published_at":"2026-10-08 08:42:55.758","state":"published","slug":"as-one-new-fair-opens-another-familiar-name-announces-its-return-in-2027","type":null,"meta_description":"","text":null,"created_at":"2026-10-08 15:01:02.232","updated_at":"2026-10-08 15:01:02.232","category_id":1,"highlighted":false,"searchable":"'10':145B '1994':61B '2027':13A,40B,178B '28':38B '31':39B '7':140B 'add':302B 'addit':278B,400B 'alik':262B 'alongsid':96B,200B 'also':388B 'alway':209B 'alyea':17B 'ambiti':341B 'announc':9A,118B,234B,361B 'annual':337B,390B 'anoth':6A 'appreci':222B 'architectur':226B 'around':325B 'art':28B,45B,72B,124B,150B,164B,197B,202B,224B,238B,268B,274B,322B,384B,391B 'aspen':396B 'audienc':116B 'becam':63B 'broaden':280B 'broader':205B 'build':248B 'calendar':73B 'ceo':154B,161B,271B 'ceram':91B 'chicago':19B,44B,59B,123B,159B,169B,201B,207B,237B,267B,312B,379B 'chicagoartfair.com':414B 'citi':36B,69B,218B 'collabor':179B 'collect':30B 'collector':79B,259B,319B 'come':119B,411B 'complementari':184B 'contemporari':149B 'continu':142B 'craft':225B,344B 'craftsmanship':105B 'creat':253B 'cultiv':113B 'deep':221B 'describ':176B 'design':31B,99B,166B,199B,228B,346B,386B,393B 'destin':317B 'detail':401B 'devot':23B,115B 'dimens':306B 'dimension':196B 'discov':87B 'distinct':110B,182B,297B 'edit':54B 'encount':340B 'eric':263B 'excit':255B 'exhibitor':261B,403B 'expect':408B 'experi':257B 'extraordinari':212B 'fair':4A,22B,46B,108B,125B,133B,203B,239B,269B,282B,309B,394B 'fall':71B 'familiar':7A 'fiber':95B 'fixtur':66B 'focus':101B,192B 'found':57B 'fuller':365B 'function':27B 'gal':153B,231B 'galleri':320B,355B 'gather':82B 'gave':106B 'get':126B 'ginni':15B 'give':243B 'glass':90B 'group':275B 'histori':78B 'home':213B 'ident':111B,289B,298B 'import':304B 'inaugur':53B,122B 'intersect':163B,383B 'join':235B 'last':55B 'legaci':251B,294B,370B 'longtim':21B 'lover':323B 'mart':49B,130B,242B 'materi':103B 'metal':93B 'modern':147B 'month':412B 'much':75B 'name':8A 'navi':84B 'new':3A,132B,256B,305B,376B 'news':352B 'night':56B 'object':26B 'occas':174B 'octob':37B,139B,144B 'offer':206B 'one':2A,187B 'open':5A,51B,134B 'opportun':246B,338B 'organ':175B,389B 'owner':265B 'palm':398B 'part':42B 'particip':354B 'partnership':404B 'pictur':366B 'pier':85B 'popular':65B 'posit':314B 'present':146B,185B 'preserv':286B 'preview':137B 'produc':156B,381B 'program':357B 'provid':363B 'redwood':273B 'reinforc':311B 'remark':293B 'rememb':333B 'return':11A,33B,301B,348B 'roof':188B 'said':229B,276B,329B 'scope':284B 'sculptur':25B,97B 'set':377B 'shape':373B 'smith':264B,328B 'sofa':18B,62B,158B,190B,215B,287B,290B,334B,378B 'spring':399B 'still':358B 'take':372B 'three':195B 'three-dimension':194B 'ticket':406B 'tim':151B 'two':181B 'underway':127B 'updat':416B 'upon':249B 'us':244B 'van':16B 'visit':413B 'visitor':81B 'von':152B,230B 'week':171B 'welcom':351B 'wood':92B 'work':88B,342B 'world':327B 'would':279B","thumbnail":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791471648/qlsatdxqgau2braeekxu.jpg","editor_pick":true},{"id":14324,"title":"Pigment International Dedicates Black Fine Art Month 2026 to Richard Hunt","excerpt":"","body":"<p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791479103/r9oi9u47474rx2synx0p.png\"></p><p><span style=\"color: rgb(136, 136, 136);\">The artist Richard Hunt</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>By CGN Staff</p><p><br></p><p>Pigment International has dedicated Black Fine Art Month 2026 to Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt (1935–2023), recognizing his contributions to American art and his lifelong connection to the city.</p><p><br></p><p>As part of the month’s programming, the organization will host&nbsp;<em>Pigmented: Chicago to the World — A Black Fine Art Convening</em>&nbsp;on October 23 at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts. Partners include the Richard Hunt Legacy Foundation, Adler University, CAI Designs, Chicago Public Art Group, Chicago Sculpture Exhibit and Diasporal Rhythms.</p><p><br></p><p>Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Hunt developed an internationally recognized practice while continuing to live and work in his hometown. His welded metal sculptures brought together abstract forms, references to the natural world and an enduring interest in freedom and social justice.</p><p><br></p><p>Hunt identified attending Emmett Till’s funeral in 1955 as a turning point in his artistic life. Till had lived just two blocks from Hunt’s home. Decades later, Hunt’s public commissions would honor figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Jesse Owens and Ida B. Wells, while also addressing the Middle Passage and the Great Migration.</p><p>In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson appointed Hunt to the National Council on the Arts, where he became its first African American member. In 1971, at age 35, he became the first African American sculptor to receive a retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. His career encompassed more than 150 solo exhibitions and more than 160 public art installations.</p><p><br></p><p><img src=\"https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1791479104/lltcodkx39gd8sbhtus1.png\"></p><p><em style=\"color: rgb(136, 136, 136);\">Richard Hunt with artist Chris Devins, who recently completed a mural honoring the sculptor in Hyde Park. Photo courtesy of Chris Devins.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Recent projects in Chicago offer new ways to encounter Hunt’s work and history. This fall, the Logan Center opened the Hunt, a café honoring the artist. Created and designed by Little Black Pearl founder and executive director Monica Haslip, the space incorporates two Hunt sculptures, African art, archival materials and photographs by Sandro Miller.</p><p>In Hyde Park, artist Chris Devins and historian Michelle Duster have brought a mural of Hunt to 1515–19 E. 54th Street. The portrait is based on photographs Devins took in Hunt’s studio before the sculptor’s death.</p><p><br></p><p>“Richard Hunt was a giant in the arts world and people need to see what he looked like and be inspired by his legacy,” Devins said.</p><p><br></p><p>Pigment International’s dedication also reflects its own relationship with Hunt. The organization featured him in its magazine in 2020, and he welcomed its Black Fine Art Month programming into his studio in October 2021.</p><p><br></p><p>#</p><p><br></p><p>Two events take place this month:</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Pigment International at SPECTRUM Chicago Art Fair</strong></p><p><br></p><p>October 7–10, 2026.</p><p>Chicago Merchandise Mart, seventh floor, booth #3091.</p><p>Wednesday, October 7, 5–8 pm, with a champagne toast in the booth and an artist meet-and-greet.</p><p>Thursday, October 8, 6-8pm with Diasporal Rhythms</p><p>Featured artists:&nbsp;Jesse Howard, Howard Simmons, Edo, Candace Hunter, Sura DuPart and Max Sansing.</p><p>Additional events are taking place during the fair</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chicago to the World: A Black Fine Art Month Convening</strong></p><p>Presented by Pigment International as part of Black Fine Art Month, which the organization has dedicated this year to Richard Hunt.</p><p>Friday, October 23, 2026, 11:30 am–5 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