OUR MISSION

True Chicago supports the diverse and equitable development of young creatives and artists by providing programs and opportunities that connect young artists with emerging and established creative professionals. With an intentional focus on black and brown creatives ages 15-25, we provide education and mentorship that develop an artist’s work and expand the perception of viable careers in the creative arts.

OUR VISION

True Chicago strives to educate, expand, and energize creatives by encouraging them to use their creative voices with confidence. It is our intention to use our events and programming to inspire artists to challenge themselves and the world around them. Through their artistic practice we believe each person has the power to illustrate stories that evoke deeper meaning and become part of our culture, and in that success, give back to their communities.

OUR VALUES

COMMUNITY is our most valuable gift.

​

Honest STORYTELLING is necessary for positive change.

​

We value EDUCATION as the process to unlock our purpose.

​

We believe in the impact of YOUTH ASSEMBLY.

We believe that a DIVERSE and INCLUSIVE community is the foundation for progress.

OUR HISTORY

True Chicago was founded by David Johnson in 2017 as a means of challenging creatives to give of their knowledge and time to empower Chicago’s youth through creativity and the arts. True began as a community of artists working to create space for gathering young creatives and career mentorship. Through consistent investment in the future of young artists, True Chicago has built a space for growth grounded in community. 

OUR TEAM

PAST CONTRIBUTORS