OUR MISSION:
The Chicago Creative Initiative is an Illinois-registered nonprofit dedicated to driving social impact and transformation, serving underserved communities through creative-based purpose-driven; participatory art-expression, modern alternative education, and entrepreneurship mentorship programs.
​
Through our programs, structured-and-guided by experienced professionals, our organization uses creativity as a catalyst for cultural expression, modern-learning, community revitalization, social connection, and healing.
​
PROUDLY TRUSTED BY GREAT CAUSES
OUR CUSTOMIZABLE PROGRAMS & SERVICES
​
We partner with nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses to provide customizable creative-based purpose-driven; participatory art-expression, modern alternative education, and entrepreneurship mentorship programs and professional services.
Our mission's programs aligns with nonprofit funding categories, making it easy for partners to allocate grants, sponsorships, and budgets effectively.​
​
Painting Skill Development (techniques, tools, materials, AI supported)
-
Mural Painting
-
Portrait & Figure Painting
-
Landscape Painting
-
Still-Life Painting
-
Abstract Painting
​​​​
Youth & Community Creative Learning
-
Creative Literacy for Schools – Interactive art-based educational initiatives for early learners.
-
Public Art Exploration for Kids – Hands-on mural and installation workshops for youth.
-
Teen Creative Leadership Program – Encouraging leadership and self-expression through art projects.
​​
Team-Building
-
Guided Mural Painting Workshops – Teams collaborate to create large-scale art reflecting their mission.
-
Live Group Painting Experiences – Engaging hands-on painting events at conferences or retreats.
​​
Community Engagement & Bonding
-
Neighborhood Affirmation Walls – Interactive public participatory art activation promoting positive community expression.
-
Graffiti-Style Collaboration Art – Street-art-inspired projects encouraging creativity and unity.
-
Civic Identity Art Workshops – Engaging local groups in storytelling through public art.
​
Community Revitalization Programs​
-
Community-Guided Murals – Large-scale public art designed and painted with local participation.
-
Interior Guided Murals - for public spaces and special interest groups.
-
Sculpture​​​​​
Art Expressive Healing
-
Healing Through Mural Making – Community-driven murals supporting emotional recovery.
-
Creative Reflection Workshops – Journaling, painting, and mindfulness through art.
-
Trauma-Informed Community Art – Safe spaces for creative expression and personal healing.
-
Painting Expression - Art accompanied by, expressive movement, sound, and meditation.
-
Art-Based Recovery Support Groups – Spaces where art facilitates conversation and healing.​​
​
Education (Personalized Mentorship & AI Driven Learning from the Perspective of Purpose)
-
Identifying Purpose - through creative-based mentorship.
-
Small Business Education (Creative & Non-Creative )– Teaching digital-marketing, budget management, pricing, and sales strategies.
​
Artist Development & Skill Growth
-
Portfolio Development for Emerging Artists – Building compelling portfolios for career growth.
-
Artist Mentorship
​​​
Creative Fundraising Campaigns
-
Custom Artwork for Auctions & Raffles – Unique pieces designed to attract high-value donors.
-
Live Painting Entertainment – Engaging live art events that enhance fundraising efforts.
-
Interactive Donor Engagement Art – Mural tiles, dedication walls, and legacy art projects.
-
Art Galas & Public Showcases – Live painting, exhibitions, and donor networking events.
Contracted Creative Services
We create bold, modern artistic experiences that blend art, architecture, and engagement to transform spaces:​
​​
-
Murals & Large-Scale Art Installations
-
Community & Corporate Murals
-
Environmental & Architectural Art
-
Interactive Art Installations
-
​
-
Experiential & Brand Activations
-
Pop-Ups, Displays, & Exhibits
-
Interactive Entertainment Installations
-
Themed Backdrops & Props
-
Staging & Event Design
-
Brand Activation Booths & Displays
-
​
-
Custom Signage & Visual Impact Solutions
-
Hand-Painted Signage & Lettering
-
Sculpted Signage & Dimensional Lettering
-
Stand-Alone Sculptures & 3D Art
-
​
-
Commercial & Public Space Enhancements
-
Commercial Painting
-
Public Space Beautification Projects
-
Nonprofit Marketing & Growth Services
With over 30 years of nonprofit and marketing expertise, we provide full-service marketing solutions to increase visibility, drive donor engagement, and expand nonprofit impact:
​
-
Strategic Digital Marketing for Nonprofits
-
Website Development & Optimization
-
SEO & Local Listings (Google/Bing)
-
Social Media Management & Content Strategy
-
Google/Bing Paid Search Ads
-
Facebook & Instagram Social Ads
-
​
-
Fundraising & Donor Outreach Campaigns
-
Email Marketing & CRM Strategy
-
Direct Mail & List Rental Services
-
Volunteer & Donor Recruitment Marketing
-
Event Promotion & Planning
-
​
-
Brand Development & Creative Services
-
Branding & Graphic Design
-
Video & Visual Storytelling
-
Fundraising Event Production & Activation​​
-
Why Chicago Creative Initiative?
​
Creative-based purpose-driven participatory art and educational development programs foster unity, build a sense of pride, and create a shared space for dialogue and reflection. By involving the community in the creative process, the initiative helps strengthen connections among residents, expose and celebrate local creativity, and promote a deeper understanding of the diverse and common experiences among neighbors.
​
Positive experiences in art foster creativity, build self-confidence, and encourage acceptance of diverse perspectives, laying the foundation for future innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets. By nurturing the ability to think outside the box and embrace new ideas, art can inspire adaptable leaders and empathetic collaborators.
As a newly established nonprofit, Chicago Creative Initiative collaborates and adapts to changing landscapes and brings innovative solutions to education and the creative arts. Our modern programs, in partnership with established nonprofits, expand access to high-quality creative development. We vow our commitment to developing collaborative solutions which enable artists and communities to benefit from sustainable, impactful purpose-driven initiatives. Through this dynamic approach, we aim to foster long-term creative growth and leadership, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
✅ Community-Driven Impact – Our programs foster engagement, healing, and social connection through creative expression.
✅ Turnkey Solutions – From art activations to nonprofit marketing, we offer full-service customizable solutions tailored to your mission.
✅ Expert-Led Services – Backed by 30+ years of nonprofit, creative, and marketing leadership.
​
✅ Grant-Fundable Programs – We align with nonprofit funding categories, making it easy for you to allocate grants, sponsorships, and donor funds.
​
GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Ways to Get Involved:
Monetary Donation
Support our impact, every dollar directly brings support to our shared community.
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.
​
Alternative ways to Donate:
-
Studio Space
-
Event Space
-
Art Supplies
​
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 that strengthen our community and create a growing legacy. Every dollar brings us closer to transforming Chicago’s citizens and neighborhoods through the power of purpose-driven creativity.​ Your donations matter.​
​
Checks made payable to:
Chicago Creative Initiative
2434 N Spaulding Ave., Unit 2
Chicago, IL 60647
Exclusive Donor Perks:
-
Recognition
-
Exclusive Experiences
-
Community Involvement
-
Unique Artistic Gifts
-
Creative Legacy and more...​​​
​
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?​​​​
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 creative-based purpose-driven modern art expression 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 creating jobs employing thousands, Eric made a 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, education, 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 and individuals experiencing homelessness.​ 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.
​
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@chicagocreativeinitiative.org
​
