proactive

map from G2 exhibit:




Social Force Art Collaborative
"(dis)placement: transitioning communities"

Change is a vital component of the natural development of a community. When the motivation for change comes from the needs of the citizens, the health and sustainability of the community are preserved. Changes initiated from outside of the community often disrupt the dynamic network of experiences and histories that define a neighborhood. The goals of the installation "(dis)placement: transitioning communities" are to incite personal reflections on concepts of home, consider what we share and the stake we all have in the history of our communities, challenge the forces and structures at play, and consider how we maintain authenticity around Chicago. To help viewers experience a changing neighborhood, we have designed a map that features a 1 mile walk around the West loop community, ending at the site of the former Jane Addams Homes.

Public housing has described 'home' for many of Chicago's residents since the 1930s. Chicago is among the first cities to develop public housing, the first of which were the Jane Addams Homes. Unlike any other city, Chicago has undergone the most rapid and thorough transformation of urban public housing. The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has initiated an extensive plan to renew physical structures and promote self-sufficient public housing residents. As part of this 10-year plan for transformation, the Jane Addams Homes were demolished and replaced with a new mixed-income development, a trend that represents the future of public housing in America.

This installation was inspired by a collaborative public art project initiated by the Jane Addams Hull House Museum. The work was created by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, teaching artists and members of the Southwest Youth Collaborative. Artists examined the cityscape, collected images and research, and visually constructed their ideas in "(dis)placement: transitioning communities." In an effort to generate awareness and support for the Public Housing Museum, the artists drew inspiration from the vast humanitarian work of Jane Addams. Her history can inspire us to ignite change from within.


Jane Addams' Hullhouse : History

Jane Addams founded Hullhouse in 1889 with this motto : "neighbors helping neighbors." Her simple philosophy was to instigate change within a community by giving individuals opportunities to explore, grow, and strengthen their personal talents. All of this while being the first settlement housing in the country. Jane Addams believed in not only fostering these growing environments but also living with these families, individuals in order to be fully involved with the process. From the late 1800s to present day, Hullhouse jumps off of the same foundation to help a broad range of people from youth, adult to child. Hullhouse executes these opportunities by remaining in the middle of a grandoise city making itself accessible to the public and reforming social issues.

Jane Addams : Biography

A radical thinker, Jane Addams was educated in the US and Europe. She was the daughter of a government official and a native to Illinois. With these dynamics, Jane Addams was exposed to various perspectives of social issues consistently throughout her life. Unlike most, Jane Addams reacted upon the need for social reform by presenting positive change. She cofounded the Hullhouse where tolerance, social equity, and diversity were taught. The Hullhouse also catered to women's rights which laid close to Jane Addams' heart. Along with the Hullhouse, she started the Jane Addams Peace Association and the Jane Addams Children's Book Awards. With large associations with other organizations, Jane Addams was also the first woman to receive the nobel peace prize in 1931. Accolade after accolade, Jane Addams' history can inspire us to ignite change from within.


(floor plans of the homes at the Jane Addams homes)
source is Jane Addams Project website.

Do you have a responsibilty to community/ to what you know/ to what you are informed of?

Why are public spaces disappearing?

What impact does this new condominium have on spaces like this?

Where do these displaced people go?

If it is out of sight is it out of mind?

Where do you lay your head?

Do you take baths frequently?

Is your window view of broken glass?

Do you wake up wanting to not leave your home?

Do you have a heating system?

How sweet is your "home sweet home?"

How are you interacting with your space?


These are questions we are constantly asking ourselves and you in regards to public housing's history and the present situation with Taylor Street. 1322-24 West Taylor Street had once been occupied by mixed income families with scultural gardens providing adequate housing. However, with the lack of funding and an overwhelming 'necessity' for luxury condos, the Taylor Street homes along with a local elementary school are torn down catering to these modern establishments. Though these public necessities are overlooked, the Public Housing Museum desires to preserve the stories, lives, and futures that had been planted within 1322-24 West Taylor Street. In doing so, they are recreating the public housing floorplans once occupied in 1322-24 West Taylor Street promoting diveristy, social equity, tolerance, and awareness. The public housing museum hopes to create a dialog and a level of empathy will be instigated between audiences and this historical Chicago landmark provoking change.


this is your chance to be involved.


what will you do?


Photo Credits: University of Illinois at Chicago, University Library, Department of Special Collections, Jane Addams Memorial Collection