top of page

OUR MISSION:

The Chicago Creative Initiative is an Illinois-registered nonprofit corporation dedicated to driving social impact and transformation in Chicago communities, with a focus on participatory art education and uplifting youth and underserved populations.

 

HOW:

Through participatory art and mentorship programs led by experienced professionals, the organization uses creativity as a catalyst for cultural expression, community revitalization, and social connection. By offering accessible educational resources, hands-on opportunities, and collaborative projects, The Chicago Creative Initiative fosters growth, connection, and meaningful change.

​

PROUDLY TRUSTED BY ALIGNED CAUSES
inv logo.png
IMG_0532_edited_edited.jpg
 
 
 
Our Programs
​

At the Chicago Creative Initiative, we offer a variety of educational and community-focused programs designed to drive social impact and transformation through art. Explore how we’re making a difference:

 
Educational Art Programs

  • Creative Learning Workshops
    Hands-on sessions where participants learn art techniques, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

  • Youth Art Leadership Academy
    Empowering youth with leadership skills, community engagement training.

 

Mentorship & Skill-Building

  • Emerging Artist Mentorship Program
    Guiding aspiring artists with personalized support from experienced professionals.

  • Artist Career Development Workshops
    Covering key topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, and project planning for creatives.

  • Creative Career Pathways
    Providing resources and guidance to explore careers in the creative industries.

 

Community Engagement Programs

  • Community Vision Mural Program
    Collaborative mural projects that reflect local stories and aspirations.

  • Participatory Public Art Projects
    Large-scale collaborative art designed and executed with community involvement.

  • Cultural Heritage Mural Series
    Celebrating and preserving cultural stories through transformative public art.

  • Guided Art Activations
    Expressive-impact projects, like affirmation walls, that build pride and social connection.

 

Social Impact Initiatives

  • Neighborhood Revitalization Art Program
    Transforming neglected spaces into vibrant hubs of community pride.

  • Pop-Up Public Art Installations
    Bringing art into unexpected places to inspire and engage.

  • Art for Social Change Fellowship
    Supporting artists addressing social challenges through impactful projects.

  • Inclusive Public Art Programs
    Ensuring everyone has a voice in the creative process, including underserved groups.

 

Special Events & Showcases​

  • Unveiling Celebrations
    Events to showcase completed programs and the community stories behind them.

  • Seasonal Art Festivals
    Showcasing public art, live painting, and cultural programming to bring people together.

  • Annual Art Impact Showcase Donors Gala. A celebration of completed projects, local art exhibition, live art demonstrations, and educational hands-on workshops, meet local Artists.

 

Support Programs

  • Art Supply Access Initiative
    Providing art supplies to reduce barriers to creativity.

  • Creative Space Access Program
    Offering workspace for community members and artists to create and collaborate.

  • Community Art Grants
    Funding opportunities for local artists and organizations to develop transformative projects.

  • Public Art Education Outreach
    Talks and demonstrations highlighting the role of art in community transformation.

6D6A0C52-8FCA-43F1-A07A-0DCAAEA5990B_edited_edited.jpg
 
 
 
GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT OUR MISSION
 
 
Ways to Get Involved:

 

Volunteer Your Time
Help us make art, organize events, or assist in workshops. No artistic experience is required—just your passion to make a difference!

​

Partner With Us
Businesses and organizations can collaborate on art projects, sponsor programs, or co-host events that reflect shared values and community goals.

​

Attend Our Events
Join us at public art unveilings, seasonal events to celebrate creativity and community.

​

Spread the Word
Follow us on social media, share our mission with your network, make in introduction, and help amplify our voice to reach more people.

​

Creative Perks for Corporate Sponsors:

  • Team-building mural workshops for your employees

  • Prominent branding opportunities on high-visibility projects

  • Recognition across all our marketing materials and events

​​​

​

​

​Support Through Donations

​

Your donations directly fund our programs, providing resources for public art projects, mentorship opportunities, and educational workshops that inspire and uplift communities. Every dollar brings us closer to transforming Chicago’s neighborhoods through the power of creativity.

 

Exclusive Donor Perks

We love showing appreciation for our donors and offering unique ways to stay connected to our mission.

Here’s how we say thank you in a creative way:

​

Creative Ambassador Circle ($100+ annually)

  • Name featured on our website donor page

  • A digital thank-you created by local Artist

 

Cause Supporter ($500+ annually)

  • Name featured on our website donor page

  • A digital thank-you created by local Artist

  • Name recognition at program unveilings and events

 

Vision Supporter ($1,000+ annually)

  • Name featured on our website donor page

  • A digital thank-you created by local Artist

  • Name recognition at program unveilings and events

  • Invitations to exclusive donor appreciation gatherings

 

Transformational Pioneers ($5,000+ annually)

  • Name featured on our website donor page

  • A digital thank-you created by local Artist

  • Name recognition at program unveilings and events

  • Invitations to exclusive donor appreciation gatherings

  • Priority invitations to special events, including private art tours and workshops

  • Your name or business logo featured on select public artworks

  • A custom print of one of our murals signed by the artist

  • Invitation to our Annual Art Impact Showcase Donor Gala - A celebration of completed projects, local art exhibition, live art demonstrations, and educational hands-on workshops, meet local Artists.

 

Community Pillars ($20,000+ annually)

  • Name featured on our website donor page

  • A digital thank-you created by local Artist

  • Name recognition at program unveilings and events

  • Invitations to exclusive donor appreciation gatherings

  • Priority invitations to special events, including private art tours and workshops

  • Behind-the-scenes updates on our projects

  • Your name or business logo featured on select public artworks

  • A custom print of one of our murals signed by the artist

  • Invitation to our Annual Donor Gala with live art demonstrations

  • Your name or business logo featured on select public artworks

  • A custom print of one of our murals signed by the artist

  • Invitation to our Annual Art Impact Showcase Donor Gala - A celebration of completed projects, local art exhibition, live art demonstrations, and educational hands-on workshops, meet local Artists.

  • A original signed canvas artwork created by a notable local artist

  • The opportunity to collaborate on the vision for a future public art project

​

Legacy Builders ($100,000+ annually)

  • Name featured on our website donor page

  • A digital thank-you created by local Artist

  • Name recognition at program unveilings and events

  • Invitations to exclusive donor appreciation gatherings

  • Priority invitations to special events, including private art tours and workshops

  • Behind-the-scenes updates on our projects

  • Your name or business logo featured on select public artworks

  • A custom print of one of our murals signed by the artist

  • Invitation to our Annual Donor Gala with live art demonstrations

  • Your name or business logo featured on select public artworks

  • A custom print of one of our murals signed by the artist

  • Invitation to our Annual Art Impact Showcase Donor Gala - A celebration of completed projects, local art exhibition, live art demonstrations, and educational hands-on workshops, meet local Artists.

  • A original signed canvas artwork created by a notable local artist

  • The opportunity to collaborate on the vision for a future public art project

  • A original signed canvas artwork created by Eric Harold

  • ​Custom Private Mural by Local Artists at location of choice by Eric Harold accompanied by a local Artist​

 

Alternative ways to Donate: 

  • Studio Space

  • Event Space

  • Art Supplies

 

Your Donations Matter

We are in the process of filing for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Once approved, your contributions may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor for details on the deductibility of your donation.

​

Your generosity directly supports our mission to transform Chicago communities through art, education, and connection. Thank you for being part of this journey!

​
Ready to Get Involved?
​
​
​

​

Support Our Mission
Contact Us, Today
A member of our team will contact you within 24 hours
 

IMG_4832.png
 
MEET OUR FOUNDER
​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Harold is the Founder and Executive Director of the Chicago Creative Initiative, an Illinois-registered nonprofit corporation. As a Logan Square resident, Chicago-based artist, designer, muralist, fabricator, and community leader, with deep roots in creative arts and public service, Eric leverages his experience to drive social impact and transform Chicago communities through impactful public art and educational programs.​

​

After a distinguished 15-year career as a Chief Marketing Officer, consulting for global industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft, and Kaiser Permanente, and playing a pivotal role in launching tech startups, Eric made a bold and transformative shift in 2016 to follow his passion for visual arts and community development. Fueled by a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and delving into the complexities of the human experience, Eric has since devoted his talents to leveraging art as a powerful medium for connection, inspiration, and social change.

​

Eric has an extensive portfolio of mural and sculptural projects across seven states and has created and curated hundreds of artworks. A dedicated advocate for creative equity, he has mentored emerging artists and provided opportunities for individuals facing financial hardship or homelessness.

​

From 2017 to 2024, Eric hosted four art exhibitions, participated in the SprayTX Ignite Program Residency in Austin, TX, and executed hundreds of large-scale public art projects. His Chicago-based efforts in community art activation have included partnerships with local nonprofits such as Youth360, Radiant Vessels, Logan Square Art Festival, and the Institute for Non-Violence Chicago. These programs supported the combined mission’s cause with an emphasis on community service and empowerment of youth.

​

In 2024, Eric was awarded a public mural grant from the Cook County Public Health Department of Corrections, further exemplifying his commitment to using art as a tool for social change and empowerment.

​

Eric is an open-collaborator. Contact him today @ email: eric@headlampcreativegroup.com

​

IMG_5326.png
bottom of page