The Pilsen neighborhood is set to receive 12 new large-scale murals as part of Chicago's $2.5 million public arts initiative announced Tuesday by Mayor Johnson's office. Local artists were selected through a competitive process that received over 200 applications from across the city.
The murals will be installed along 18th Street and Blue Island Avenue, transforming several vacant lots and building walls that have sat empty since a 2021 fire displaced three businesses. Community members will vote on final designs at a town hall scheduled for April 15th at the Pilsen Community Center.
"Art is how Pilsen tells its story," said community organizer Maria Reyes, who helped coordinate the project. "These murals will celebrate our heritage while welcoming the next generation of residents."
Work is expected to begin in May and wrap up by end of summer, with a neighborhood celebration planned upon completion.
