Front Porch Arts Center

Front Porch Arts Center was created in early 2019 to meet the needs of a Westside community that although rich and vibrant, is artistically and economically under-served. Our work impacts the community by reexamining African-American social and cultural history while also creating spaces that explore our complex contemporary narratives. Because the Austin neighborhood on the Westside of Chicago has lacked a public art center for over 10 years, we intend to fill a much needed void by creating arts programming, such as workshops, classes, weekly performances, exhibitions, artist partnerships, residencies, neighborhood walking tours, and public wellness events. Through this, we intend to enhance our community by creating outlets for public discourse and community fellowship. By connecting with organizations that share resources, we are able to directly impact our community members, while building both individual and community image. Through weekly programming, we will help to develop literacy, critical thinking and artistic expression while challenging the cycle of violence. Through this work, we intend to showcase community voices, bridging the Westside with the larger creative community to counter our neighborhood’s public perception. FPAC was founded by artists, Vanessa Stokes and Keli Stewart.