history

In 1998, an extended group of friends, some of who were going to Northwestern University at the time, began working together as a collective of musicians, performers, and artists sharing rehearsal, recording, and performing space in Pilsen. In March 2002, after moving to their first venue location, a converted church in Humboldt Park called 3030, Elastic Arts was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

Elastic Arts began its programming mission during this time by responding to a need for performance space, production resources and artistic leadership. By creating and nurturing organic relationships with many musicians and artists throughout the West Town neighborhoods and beyond, and to provide a reliable and innovative performing environment for artists and audiences alike, regular performance series were established, led by artist/curators extending from Elastic Art’s growing network, many of which are still active today.

Since then, Elastic Arts has presented over 3,000 events — live music shows, multi-disciplinary performances, theater pieces, literary readings, art exhibitions, and film/video screenings – establishing itself as a leader among grassroots organizations in Chicago and throughout the world..

With the development and presentation of innovative, non-conventional music, art, and performance, Elastic Arts provides the community the opportunity to participate in uncommon and stimulating programming in an intimate performance environment, free from commercial constraints.