Since its inception in 2017, Artists in Public Schools has impacted thousands of CPS students in 97 schools across 63 neighborhoods partnering with 95 local artists!​

We continue to build on our original mission: to provide expansive art experiences for CPS students and professional artists across the city of Chicago and share their inspiring stories widely through exhibitions at local community spaces, virtual and in-person gallery shows, and internationally renowned art fairs. 

The Chicago Public School (CPS) system is the nation’s fourth largest school district, serving over 325,000 students in 634 schools. Artist-founded in 2017, Artists in Public Schools – formerly CPS Lives – was created by photographer Suzette Bross to integrate artists and local cultural producers into CPS through paid artist residencies.

Over the course of an Artists in Public Schools residency, CPS students and faculty are connected with professional artists, encouraged to explore their own creativity, and collaborate on meaningful artwork. Artwork produced during these residencies are reflective of and often highlight the resilience in each of these school communities.

Artists in Public Schools ultimately showcases these artworks – these stories – by exhibiting them at local community spaces, virtual and in-person gallery shows, and internationally renowned art fairs.