The South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) in Chicago, the first Black art institution in the United States, is undergoing a major rehabilitation and expansion campaign. Founded in 1940 during the Chicago Black Renaissance, the center was established by community members including Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, Eldzier Cortor, Charles White, and Archibald Motley Jr., who raised funds through initiatives like the 'Mile of Dimes' campaign and the Annual Artists' and Models' Ball. Housed in a historic Bronzeville brownstone, the center has served as a vital hub for Black artists, hosting landmark exhibitions and creative programs.
This expansion matters because the SSCAC remains a beacon of resilience and connection on Chicago's South Side, addressing persistent racial inequities in access to arts institutions. As segregation and inequality continue, the center's growth underscores its enduring role in nurturing Black cultural production and preserving the legacy of the Chicago Black Renaissance. The rehabilitation campaign ensures that this historic institution can continue to support artists and the community for generations to come.