Disruption: In a city with a culture as diverse as Chicago, public street art transcends purely aesthetic visuals and engages with political and social discourse. The Wabash Arts Corridor, launched by Columbia College Chicago in 2013, exemplifies this theme, disrupting everyday urban moments with dynamic visuals and political commentary. On this tour we will ask: How do we interpret these pieces and engage with the discourse that art intrinsically invites us into? As part of the 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial, these tours explore how street art becomes a catalyst for shifting attitudes and interactions with the city and its inhabitants.
Open to audiences of all ages, we are covering ~1.5 miles on public sidewalks that are ADA compliant (mobility device accessible). Tour departs from the Community Engagement Hub, a publicly accessible space along the Harrison Street side of the 1st floor of the 600 S. Michigan Avenue Building. Start location is near the Harrison Red Line stop and Library stop of Brown/Green/Pink/Orange lines as well as numerous bus lines. We will finish south of Roosevelt Road near Wabash in an area with cafes, restuarants, parks, and access to public transportation (Rossevelt stop for Red, Orange lines, plus numerous bus lines).
