Art Institute of Chicago Workers United Strike & Hardship Art Show and Fundraiser poster. Designed by the AICWU.
Through trying times, one constant is community. In the case of the Art Institute of Chicago Workers Union, it’s art which connects so many of its members.
The AICWU organized shortly after the pandemic to empower the workers struggling with unfair treatment. The AICWU includes staff at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, non-tenure-track faculty at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and staff at the Art Institute of Chicago. Over time, the AICWU has worked to address layoffs, low wages, and limited career mobility. They continue to ensure that their voices are heard to management and the AIC community.
After bargaining and signing their contract with the Art Institute, AICWU members got together and discussed goals. This led to their art show and sale on Sept 1.
“One of our values was resiliency, so we wanted to make sure that we’re prepared in case something like a strike needs to happen,” said event organizer and AICWU member Tatyana Scott.
Scott added that this fund could be utilized when the AICWU bargains their next contract or identifies any unsafe working conditions. What is most important to the union, Scott said, is that, “we’d make sure that if somebody was experiencing particular economic hardship while we were doing that, we would be able to support them in a meaningful way.”
As people walk by, music and chatter can be heard from outside the Hopewell Brewery Taproom as AICWU members, joined by friends and family, connect over their art show and sale. Photos by Mya Nicole Jones.
The AICWU art show posters draw in guests and provide context for the sale. 50% of funds raised goes towards the AICWU strike fund. The posters say “Buy Art / Drink Beer Build Solidarity”.
Upon entrance, to the right, natural light from the open windows illuminates the taproom decorated with AICWU art on the walls and tables full of guests and supporters.
Closer towards the back right of the taproom, more tables are full of conversation. Additional tables along the wall are covered in more artwork for sale.
Tables lining the wall with multimedia artwork
Table along the corner wall with multimedia artwork
The left side of the Hopewell Brewery Taproom, with a shelf in the center showcasing multimedia artwork.
Multimedia artwork on shelf at the center of the Hopewell Brewery Taproom.
A social atmosphere surrounds the bar as guests and other supporters chat over beer.
Outside, the Hopewell Brewery name protrudes from the storefront, further emphasized by a custom neon sign.
The AICWU expressed their gratitude to Hopewell Brewery for their generosity in hosting this event, and to No Slices for catering. Learn more about the AICWU at aicwu.org.
