South Side Community Art Center

The South Side Community Art Center occupies a Georgian-style building that features symmetrical facades, classical proportions, and decorative brickwork designed to provide welcoming spaces for artistic activities and exhibitions.

Established around 1940, the center represents the oldest continuously operating Black arts institution in the United States, created during an era when African American artists faced significant barriers to mainstream recognition.

The center serves as a cornerstone for African American artistic expression, providing exhibition spaces, educational programs, and community workshops that celebrate diverse cultural influences and promote social dialogue through creative works.

Located at coordinates 41.8246°N and -87.6231°W in Chicago's South Side, the center offers public tours, art classes, and community events while undergoing a $15 million rehabilitation project to modernize facilities.

This National Treasure designation holder maintains its distinction as the country's only continuously operating Black arts institution from the 1940s, preserving both architectural heritage and cultural legacy for future generations.