The Chicago Artivism program at the Chicago History Museum collaborates with middle school and high school educators, their students, and local community artists to promote civic engagement through a critical analysis of Artivism (Art + Activism) and Chicago’s historical narrative. High school educators receive culturally responsive curriculum, which integrates local examples of Artivism to promote a deep understanding of the different ways art has impacted change in the city of Chicago.

Throughout the school year, students learn local Chicago histories that have often been ignored and have their artistic skills developed through workshops with local Chicago artists. Teaching artists work directly with students to connect concepts and topics learned through the curriculum to art that students create. At the end of the school year, students are encouraged to share their work, contributing to change in Chicago with the histories of art as activism in mind.