Project celebrates the Black Metropolis of the Bronzeville Neighborhood, while bringing awareness to local, historic preservation project
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Urban Juncture Foundation (UJF) and the Chicago Film Archives (CFA), today announced the launch of Train of Thoughts – an audio/visual storytelling installation broadcasting the stories of Bronzeville’s past, present and hopes for its future, while also bringing awareness to an ongoing endeavor to further revitalize the Bronzeville community --the renovation of the historic building The Forum. Members of the community are invited to attend an official launch party next week.
The installation, which is best seen from the 43rd Green Line platform, is the latest endeavor by the CTA to expand access to public art via its transit system, while also supporting the efforts of Build Bronzeville, an initiative of Urban Juncture, a group dedicated to restoring commercial activity and revitalizing the historic neighborhood by leveraging its unique historical and cultural assets to re-establish Bronzeville as a thriving community.
“Throughout the CTA rail and bus system are notable works of architecture and visual art that often reflect the character and history of the surrounding communities, serving as both a bridge from the past and a window into the future,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “This new installation visible from the 43rd Green Line station is a wonderful accompaniment to the CTA Public Art Program, which seeks to enhance the transit riding experience through beautiful, thought-provoking works of art that inspire not just our riders, but the communities we serve.”
Train of Thoughts’ inaugural original content, which features interviews with local historians, community residents, artists and activists, was filmed by TaylorLane Creative and directed by founder and award-winning filmmaker Asia Taylor, a Bronzeville resident.
Train of Thoughts is part of the Together We Heal Creative Place (TWHCP) cultural grant program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act as part of the Mayor’s Road to Recovery Plan. TWHCP has launched a new microsite, chicagocreativeplace.com, providing a comprehensive overview of the 47 community-driven projects spread across Chicago’s north, south, east and west sides, including an interactive map directing the public where to visit a calendar of events and resources for both artists and community members.
“DCASE is proud to support culturally focused neighborhood projects like Train of Thoughts that leverage the power of storytelling to highlight the rich history of Chicago's communities,” shared DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “This work is one example of Together We Heal Creative Place's impact: the initiative aims for lasting improvements in places and communities that work toward creating a safer and further reinvigorated Chicago.”
“More than just a public art installation, Train of Thoughts is meant to encourage commuters and those within the community to reflect on the past, reclaim the present and reimagine the future of our incredible and beautiful Bronzeville neighborhood,” said Urban Juncture President, Bernard Loyd. “Our goal with this project is to help foster healing by acknowledging the events and stories that underlie the trauma experienced by our neighborhood, thereby allowing us to work through the issues, while bringing residents together to build community and develop a shared path forward.”
Beginning June 12th, Train of Thoughts will continuously broadcast short films and other informative local content based on the following themes:
- “Legacy Stories”: Series of untold or little-known stories within Bronzeville’s history.
- “History in the Making”: Stories of people, often behind the scenes, shaping Bronzeville’s legacy today.
- “Culture Keepers/Creatives”: The stories of creatives residing in or inspired by Bronzeville.
UJF and creative partner Asia Taylor were awarded a Together We Heal grant from Chicago DCASE to leverage this infrastructure to engage train commuters, neighbors and passersby with inspiring Bronzeville stories that foster healing through public art and social connection.
To commemorate this collaborative endeavor, the UJF and partners will host an official launch celebration next week – members of the community are invited to attend:
Wednesday, June 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The Forum – E. 43rd Street, Chicago
To RSVP (encouraged, but not required) please visit:
https://events.eventnoire.com/e/train-of-thoughts-unveiling-celebration/tickets
Today’s announcement marks the second temporary art installation project launched along CTA’s Green Line in partnership with the CFA, which includes the we love filmic exhibit launched in 2023 at the Cicero Green Line station and celebrates the everyday lives of Chicagoans over the last several decades. Both public art projects feature home movies and amateur films compiled to tell different stories to those traveling along Chicago’s public transit system.
CTA’s collection of public art has nearly doubled over the last decade to include roughly 90 permanent works of art and dozens of temporary art installations across all eight rail lines and multiple bus facilities. This dynamic and immersive collection of public art includes mosaics, art glass, sculptures and interactive installations created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local.
To learn more about Train of Thoughts and support revitalization of The Forum, visit totforum.com.
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About Urban Juncture and Build Bronzeville
Urban Juncture is a Bronzeville community investment initiative focused on revitalizing retail along Bronzeville’s main corridors. An effort of Urban Juncture, Build Bronzeville works with diverse partners to combine social enterprises with public, private, and philanthropic support to establish a critical mass of positive enterprises, drive sustainable community change, and re-establish Bronzeville as a powerful Chicago hub of progress. It comprises five closely-linked initiatives that merge social, economic, civic, and creative approaches to achieve comprehensive community development: The Bronzeville Incubator, Boxville®, Bronzeville Cookin’, Engage Bronzeville and The Forum. Learn more at buildbronzeville.com.
About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.