Consensus Arts for Peace

Consensus is an Arts-Based Peacebuilding Center on the southwest side of Chicago where people connect, create, and cultivate. Mission: Consensus aims to build peace by fostering collaboration among artists and human service projects in Chicago. Our programs, events, and outreach mobilize the arts to prevent violence, transform conflict, and promote healing. We offer our space as an open, beautiful, inspiring environment where talents become gifts to the community. The Need: Peace is among the most fundamental human needs. In a city known around the world for both its direct violence (e.g. guns) and its structural/cultural violence (e.g. segregation), Consensus Chicago addresses the human need for peace—that is, the absence of both direct and structural/cultural violence. In particular, our projects and collaborations focus on at-risk youth & young adults. Our Approach: In one sense, our plan is simple: give people surrounded by violence a safe space where they can express themselves in harmony with others. At the same time, however, our plan involves rather complex and innovative strategic coordination among a wealth of community arts and human service organizations both in our immediate neighborhoods as well as citywide. In addition to offering educational programs and events using our unique live/work space at 49th & Western, we will also develop robust partnerships by conducting outreach and volunteering for other consonant projects. 4929 S Campbell Ave: Our plan revolves heavily around a special property we currently rent next to the Western Orange Line Station. It is a 6,500 sq-ft building with a 6,000 sq-ft yard/garden and a 5,000 sq-ft roof--including 4 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 2.5 baths, 4 work studios, and a performance venue. We are partnering with the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) and several community investors to purchase the property.