In conjunction with the Chicago Cultural Center's exhibition African American Designers in Chicago: Art, Commerce, and the Politics of Race, art historian Maggie Taft, modern architecture and design historian Jonathan Mekinda, artist and textile designer allied with the Black Arts Movement Robert Paige, and the exhibition's co-curator Chris Dingwall explore the social, artistic, entrepreneurial and political opportunities to be found within midcentury design in Chicago, with a particular focus on how African American and white designers differently navigated their roles within the field of design, and resolved their radical politics with the commercial dictates of the industry.

This program is presented in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

This program is funded by the Terra Foundation for American Art and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

This program is FREE, but please reserve your tickets.