mission
threewalls is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to contemporary art practice and discourse. Through the residency program(s), SOLO project, SALONS, yearly symposium and publications like Phonebook and Paper & Carriage, threewalls aims to provide opportunities for experimentation, chance, critical dialogue and context for artists, curators and writers who are at pivotal points in their careers.
history
threewalls was founded in 2003 to provide greater support and visibility for the visual arts community in Chicago. The founders wanted to encourage a greater awareness of Chicago’s art scene by inviting emerging professional artists to Chicago to share in the city’s rich histories, resources and creative communities. In an effort to provide meaningful support to emerging artists, curators and writers, threewalls has worked to form a sustainable organization that provides exhibition space, residency opportunities and artist fees to both visiting artists through the residency fellowship and to regional artists through the SOLO program.
Today, threewalls operates a yearly thematic residency, positioning a group of artists within the city to work in, collaborate, interact and/or make site specific projects that engage a wider audience through project specific presentation strategies; an ongoing studio residency open to all arts and humanities workers and thinkers to come and work and live in Chicago for research, study and production time; an exhibition program for local and regional artists; the SALONS and symposium programs to generate open dialogue, presentation of new ideas and the publication of new writing; as well as partnering with other organizations on publication and education, in an effort to broaden and contribute to the visual arts.
volunteer & internships
Volunteers and interns gain direct experience in all aspects of a multifaceted nonprofit art organization. threewalls relies on the important work of its volunteers and interns in the areas of artist-in-residence and exhibition programming, special events, fundraising and development, administrative operations and more. To get involved, please apply online or please contact elizabeth@three-walls.org.
Download an application to volunteer or intern here: