Color the Corridor mural artist painting a vibrant wall on the Southwest Side

SSA #3 Southwest Art Initiative · Greater Southwest Development Corporation

Color the
Corridor.

A public art rebate program transforming storefronts and buildings along Chicago's Southwest Side — funded up to $10,000.

I Have a Wall I'm an Artist

The SSA Art Grant Rebate Program provides reimbursement funding for public art on residential and commercial properties within the SSA #3 corridor — bringing color, identity, and community voice to the Southwest Side.

$10K Max funding
50/50 Split grant
Dec 4 2026 Deadline

For Property & Business Owners

You have the wall.
We'll find the art.

If your property is along the SSA #3 commercial corridor, you may be eligible for up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to bring a mural or public art installation to your building.

Application deadline: December 4, 2026

What's covered

  • Murals on exterior-facing walls visible from the public way
  • Mosaics, ceramics, and sculptural installations
  • Commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties
  • Professional artist coordination and community engagement

How funding works

  • SSA provides 50% upfront to begin the project
  • You cover the remaining 50% to complete the work
  • Once complete, the remaining 50% is reimbursed to you
  • Funding for 100% of eligible costs up to $10,000

Express Your Interest

Tell us about your property. GSDC will follow up with next steps and connect you with artists in the program.

GSDC will contact you within 5 business days.

Thanks! GSDC will be in touch shortly to walk you through the application process.

For Artists

Bring your vision
to the Southwest Side.

The SSA Art Initiative is a paid professional development opportunity for artists to create public work with real community impact. Get connected with property owners looking for exactly what you do.

Who can apply

  • Individual artists, artist teams, and organizations
  • Any media: acrylic, mosaic, ceramic, sculpture, and more
  • Artists at all career stages — portfolio encouraged, not required
  • Collaborative and community-engaged approaches welcomed

What to prepare

  • Sketch or concept proposal for your project idea
  • "Before" photos of the proposed surface or site
  • A brief community engagement plan
  • Your portfolio — an Instagram page is totally fine

Join the Artist Pool

Add yourself to GSDC's artist roster. When a property along the corridor is ready for a mural, you'll be first to hear about it.

Your info stays with GSDC — no spam, ever.

You're in! GSDC will reach out when opportunities along the corridor become available.