Artists at Work: Founded by artist and social innovator Theaster Gates, Rebuild supports artists and strengthens communities by providing free arts programming and creating new cultural amenities on the South Side of Chicago.

How did Theaster Gates help revive a poor Chicago neighborhood?

Gates bought the dilapidated neo-Classical building, formerly the Stony Island Trust & Savings Bank, from the city for $1 in 2013. It had several feet of standing water in the basement. Undeterred, Gates sold “bank bonds” of salvaged marble for $5,000 each to fund the renovation.

What method of community engagement does Theaster Gates use to improve help communities?

Founded by Chicago-born artist Theaster Gates, their projects seek to strengthen communities by offering free arts programming, creating cultural amenities within the neighborhood, and developing affordable housing and work/studio space for local residents.

How do I contact Theaster Gates?

Theaster Gates

1. Title: Professor in the Department of Visual Arts and the College.
2. Education: MA, University of Cape Town; MA, University of Cape Town; BS, Iowa State University.
3. Joined UChicago faculty: 2014.
4. [email protected]
5. @theastergates.

How do I revive a Neighbourhood?

Revive your local community with our tips!

1. Treat communal spaces as your own.
2. Be a community helper.
3. Share your crops from the garden.
4. Organise large clean-ups and exchanges.
5. Share parking spaces.
6. Shop locally at small businesses.
7. Become an Ecommunity.
8. Set up a “library of things”

What is the name for artists who work with multiple mediums in their art practice?

A multidisciplinary artist has a wide knowledge-base that is deeply invested in a range of materials, how those materials are used together, and the processes inherent to those materials.

What does theaster gates do besides being an artist?

Since 2011, Gates has been the director of Arts and Public Life at the University of Chicago.

Why does theaster Gates buy old businesses?

In 2009 Gates began what is now known as the Dorchester Projects. He was influenced by the high numbers of abandoned buildings in his home neighbourhood of South Side Chicago. To help revitalise the area, he bought and renovated a building on Dorchester Avenue.

Why did Gates use tar in his paintings?

Some 200 years ago, to survive in America, Black people had to escape defilement. To be smeared with tar was literally to die. Mr. Gates has embraced this stain, turning it into art.

What kind of art does theaster gates make?

Theaster Gates’ practice includes sculpture, installation, performance and urban interventions that aim to bridge the gap between art and life.

Where did theaster Gates go to school?

University of Cape Town1998
Iowa State UniversityLane Tech College Prep High SchoolInternational Studio & Curatorial Program
Theaster Gates/Education

Theaster Gates attended Iowa State University (MS, 2006; BS 1996) and University of Cape Town (MA, 1998).

What is a wet media?

Wet media-gouache, paint,acrylic, watercolour. The PIGMENTS used in all kinds of artists’ paints (watercolors, acrylics, oils, etc.) are for the most part the same. Pigments determines whether paints are opaque, transparent, staining, granulating and how strong colors are when mixed.