Distinctive Schools’ Art In Motion – Creative Arts School campus unveiled its long-awaited 110,000-square-foot expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, October 7, 2024! This new facility represents a significant investment in the future of Chicago’s youth, providing state-of-the-art spaces for learning, creativity, and community engagement.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together members of the Art In Motion community and the incredible group of people and organizations who have been the driving force behind the development of the expansion. We’d like to thank the team at Urban ReSolve, including Erin Cabonargi and Julie Piszczek; Tammy Sweeris of Highmark Development Group; Chris Spencer and the entire team at Wheeler Kearns; the Art In Motion Board of Directors, the team at ThinkCommon, the amazing partners who brought this vision to life, and most importantly to the students, staff, and families who choose to call Art In Motion home – we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey.
“This journey—what began as a vision, a dream for a school that empowers young minds through creativity, arts, and innovation—has come to life,” said Kara May, Art In Motion’s Director of Partnerships and Creative Development. “What we see today is more than a building; it’s the result of dedication, hard work, and belief in the limitless potential of our children. I couldn’t be more proud of where we are today and even more excited for the future we are creating.”
Speakers included AIM leaders and students, 8th Ward Alderperson Michelle Harris, Pastor John Hannah, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Art In Motion co-founder and Grammy-award winning musician Common.
“I never imagined that I would be a part of a school that’s less than two miles from where I grew up that would be based in the arts,” shared Art In Motion co-founder and Grammy award winning rapper Common. “I believe that this school is here to develop the love for self that our children deserve…I know we’re doing the right thing for our community because the better we build our young people, the better our communities will be.”
Pastor John Hannah joined the celebration, sharing, “We wanted a safe space to bring the creative kids together. We felt if we could bring the creative kids together, they could sharpen each other and celebrate one another. Let this be a place of peace.”
“It seems like yesterday we were just at Pastor Hannah’s church, explaining to the community what opening a school like this means,” 8th Ward Alderperson Michelle Harris reminisced to the crowd. “Now today, I can honestly say that I can see the full vision. This school means that our children get to have opportunities they didn’t have yesterday. We have to continue to expose our children to all kinds of wonderful things, and the arts are the best way to do that.”
The expansion showcases the school’s dedication to providing students with a creative, nurturing learning environment. The new space offers enhanced opportunities in the arts, academics, and student support, including significant collaboration and meeting space so all students, staff, and leaders have ample space to connect.
“Art In Motion’s expansion marks a bold step forward in our commitment to high expectations, accountability, and providing students with a nurturing environment where they can thrive academically and artistically,” said Scott Frauenheim, CEO of Distinctive Schools. “We are thrilled to share this space with the community, and to continue growing creative, well-rounded learners that are prepared for whatever the future holds for them academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Interested in seeing the expanded space? Join Art In Motion during an upcoming open house.
