Apr. 2, 2026 | 4–8 p.m. 

DCASE invites artists, creatives and cultural workers to the Chicago Cultural Center Open House for an evening of workshops, networking opportunities and creative exploration across multiple floors of the historic jewel of the city. 

Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops, artist talks, portfolio reviews and networking sessions designed to support Chicago’s creative community. Programs will span disciplines including music, film, theater, visual arts and professional development for artists. 

Highlights include creative career workshops, an indie filmmaker pitch showcase presented by Film Girlz Brunch, an artist opportunities fair, exhibition tours and speed networking with Chicago curators, along with open rehearsals and wellness programming for creative workers. Please see the full schedule below. 

Learning Lab – 1^st floor 

5–7 p.m. — Artist Statements and Biographies Workshop 

Welcome Center – 1^st floor 

4–5 p.m. — Artist Pitch Workshop with Arts Administrator Sam Brown 

5:30–6:30 p.m. — “The Creative Core” Social Hour  

Dance Studio – 1^st floor 

6–7:30 p.m. — Dance Studio Residency Open Rehearsal: Anniela Huidobro 

G.A.R. Hall – 2^nd floor 

4–5 p.m. — Drumming Workshop with Victoria Djembe 

5:15–6 p.m. — “From Vision to Stage” Theater Workshop with Kendra Jamaica (DAMA Productions) 

6:15–7 p.m. — Clowning Performance Workshop with Journey of Newport Theater 

7–8 p.m. — “A Soft Place to Land” Wellness Workshop for Creative Workers 

G.A.R. Rotunda – 2^nd floor 

4–8 p.m. — DCASE Opportunities Fair 

5–6:30 p.m. — One-on-One Project Development Sessions with DCASE staff 

Claudia Cassidy Theater – 2^nd floor 

Creative Futures in Film (presented by Film Girlz Brunch) 

4–5:30 p.m. — Indie Filmmaker Pitch & Connect Showcase 

5:30–6:30 p.m. — Short Film Screening + Q&A 

6:30–7:30 p.m. — Creative Career Clarity Workshop 

7:30–8 p.m. — Open Networking 

Preston Bradley Hall – 3^rd floor 

4–8 p.m. — Chicago Collage Community Hands-On Collage Workshop 

5–6 p.m. — OVERRIDE Artist Showcase 

4:30–7:30 p.m. — Headshots & Artist Photos 

6–7:30 p.m. — Speed Networking / Portfolio Review with Chicago Curators 

Room 408 – 4^th floor 

5–6 p.m. — Chicago Cultural Center Exhibitions Open Call Information Session 

6:30–7:30 p.m. — Financial Foundations for Artists with Ladder Up 

Exhibit Hall – 4^th floor 

5 p.m. — Curator Tour: Alberto Aguilar: I just really want to tell you this one thing