Experimental Station

The Experimental Station is working to build independent cultural infrastructure on the South Side of Chicago. We do this by fostering a dynamic ecology of innovative educational and cultural programs, small business enterprises and community initiatives. Since 2006, we have both built our own programming to address a variety of identified local needs and have fostered, hosted, and sponsored numerous other initiatives. Our programs include: Blackstone Bicycle Works, a bustling community bike shop that each year empowers over 200 boys and girls from Chicago’s south side--teaching them mechanical skills, job skills, business literacy, and how to become responsible community members. Participants earn bicycles and accessories for their work in the shop. In addition, our youths receive after-school tutoring, mentoring, internships and externships, college and career advising, and scholarships. The 61st Street Farmers Market, which brings fresh, organic, and sustainably raised foods from over 25 regional vendors and producers to the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago’s south side. Weekly chef demonstrations showcase how to prepare locally sourced seasonal dishes, while the Market School and Library teach families about nutrition, food preparation, and gardening. Our Garden-to-Plate education programs brings a focused nutrition and gardening curriculum to over 300 elementary school students, involving them in the full food cycle, from germinating seeds to preparing fresh meals. LINK Up Illinois, which increases the affordability and accessibility of nutritious, locally grown foods sold at Illinois farmers markets by providing funding and support to farmers markets across the state to implement EBT and Double Value Coupon incentive programs. Additionally, the Experimental Station provides these services for the City of Chicago.