Grant Makes South Shore Artisan Collective Permanent Spot On 71st

CHICAGO, IL — A long vacant office building on 71st Street in the city's South Shore community will become a permanent place for local artists and artisans after the South Shore Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $5,000 grant for its idea to expand the South Shore Artisan Collective. The chamber was the first place recipient in the LISC Chicago’s Business District Leadership Network Program's 2018 Neighborhood Change Seed Grant Award.

Winning the seed grant means what was a pop-up artisan market at 1735 E. 71st St. will soon become a permanent, year-round fixture in the neighborhood. Previously the market, a collection of work from local entrepreneurs, had only been open during the holiday season.

The office building that the market will take up has been vacant for about five years, according to South Shore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tonya Trice. Trice says the chamber is grateful to LISC Chicago and Groupon, which partners in awarding the grant, for the selection.

"We are thrilled to be turning this space into a shared retail space where vendors from the community will be able to showcase their products and services," Trice said.

The purpose of the award, given annually, is to recognize innovative ideas that support community-based economic development in Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The Edgewater Chamber & Rogers Park Business Alliance were the runners up, winning $2,500.

Tameeka Christian, program officer for LISC Chicago, says the South Shore Chamber was selected because their artisan collective "markets a blighted commercial corridor while engaging local entrepreneurs and residents to rebuild the economic viability of the community.”

“This project will impact South Shore’s local business district while building awareness and celebrating the culture of their community ultimately increasing economic vitality,” she said.

Trice said initially four vendors will be selected to showcase their work at the new space. The selection process will be "strategic," as they will all have viable business models and the commitment to launch their business to the next level.

Business development classes may also be held in the space, Trice said.

Photo courtesy of South Shore Chamber of Commerce