Chicago, IL

The Chicago project, led by the Chicago Department of Arts, Culture, and Special Events (DCASE) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), is piloting a paid job training program exploring career pathways for artists centered in creative therapy and health advocacy by establishing one-year artist apprenticeships at City-run mental health clinics. Apprentices will also receive certification as a community health worker at Malcolm X College, where they will also be trained in mental health first aid and overdose prevention. These artists will create services and programming for Chicago residents, culminating in a public creative moment in July 2024.