A CELEBRATION OF ARTISTS, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE - SSCAC 85TH ANNIVERSARY
2025-10-16 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Haven Entertainment Center, 932 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
Celebrate art, culture & community with delectable cuisine, live art, soulful music & more—support our $100K Community Renovation Fund!

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Honoring Our Legacy | Building Our Future

Join the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) as we celebrate 85 years of artistic brilliance, community impact, and cultural preservation. Our 85th Anniversary Celebration is more than an evening of festivities—it is a powerful tribute to our legacy and a critical step toward our future.
Founded in 1940, SSCAC is the nation’s only remaining WPA-era Black art center, and for 85 years, we have been a cornerstone of creativity in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. As we commemorate this historic milestone, we also look forward with purpose through our Capital Campaign to renovate, preserve, and expand our beloved center.
Proceeds to Benefit the Community Renovation Fund
A portion of all proceeds from this year’s celebration will support our Community Renovation Fund, a vital part of our capital campaign. These funds will help us restore our historic facility, expand our programming space, and ensure future generations of artists have a place to thrive. Our event fundraising goal is to raise $100,000 to support our $200,000 Community Renovation Fund. This fund is a vital part of our overall $18 million dollar Black Art Rising Campaign.
Why Your Support Matters
Your presence and partnership are essential. Whether through purchasing a ticket or becoming a valued event partner, you are investing in the cultural future of Chicago. Your contribution empowers us to:

Preserve an irreplaceable landmark of Black history and artistry
Expand access to art education, exhibitions, and community engagement
Create a lasting space for artists to grow, express, and lead

Event Highlights

Culinary Experiences from Local Chefs
Live Artist Renderings
SSCAC Featured Collection on Display
Silent Auction Featuring Art, Luxury Trips, Entertainment, and Experiences
Recognition of Cultural Leaders & Legacy Honorees

Featuring 6 Live Artists

Six of Chicago’s very own artists will create new work live during SSCAC’s 85th Anniversary Celebration — a testament to the legacy and future of Black art on the South Side.

Martha A. Wade · Dana Todd Pope · Paul Branton · Kiarah Jackson · Kudzai B. Mutasa · Jess Patterson

Their work honors the past while shaping what’s next, reminding us why SSCAC has been a cultural home for 85 years and counting.

Join Us in Celebrating 85 Years of Creativity and Community
Together, let’s honor the artists, uplift our community, and preserve the culture that defines us.
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Thanks to Our Sponsors

Margaret Burroughs Sponsor:

Robert S. Guttman Family Charitable Fund

Archibald Motley Sponsor
Bill Michel and Mark Botelho
Bryan Perry
Judy Matthews

In-Kind Sponsors:
Pigment International
William Bigham Gallery
Strategic Events Solutions, Inc.
