MISSION

The mission of Project Onward is to support the creative development of visual artists with developmental, cognitive, and mental disabilities.  Project Onward is a program of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and maintains a studio in the historic Chicago Cultural Center. 

Here workspace, art supplies, and professional guidance are provided to emerging artists in a communal workshop environment.  With the program's support, Project Onward artists develop a professional body of work that reflects not only a devotion to their personal vision, but also a desire for artistic growth. 

We believe that artists with special needs deserve a voice in the world of art and ideas, and that their extraordinary work has a universal audience. Project Onward exhibits, promotes, and sells the artists' works as a means to provide earned income and a sense of personal achievement, as well as to integrate the artists into the wider arts community. 

Project Onward collaborates with local and national partner agencies to organize exhibitions and advocacy efforts for artists with disabilities.  Project Onward artists are included in numerous private and corporate art collections, and their works are exhibited widely.

Project Onward artworks are exhibited year-round at the Gallery 37 Store: