The Finalists will receive studio visits with second-round jurors, who will ultimately select two artists as Awardees to receive $10,000 in unrestricted funds. The Finalists were selected by jurors Jennifer Carty, Associate Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, The Smart Museum at University of Chicago; Daonne Huff, Director, Public Programs & Community Engagement, The Studio Museum in Harlem; and Laura Mott, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art and Design, Cranbrook Art Museum.

Of the process, Daonne states, “This was such a refreshing, affirming and inspiring experience, especially in the midst of isolation and societal upheavals and ruptures, where we had the opportunity to affirm the role of art and artists in society for today and for the future. To have exposure to artists at all stages of their careers and across the spectrum of mediums, who are witnessing, investigating, navigating and challenging their relationships with themselves, their communities, their streets, their city and their country.”

Speaking to the Finalist selection, Laura commented  “At this moment, as we radically reimagine our society, the support of artists is paramount. The five artists selected by the jury were chosen based on urgent questions: Who is making artwork that needs to be seen right now?  Who is taking risks? Through visual art, these artists bear witness and give an aesthetic language to the complexities of our contemporary condition.”

Jennifer notes “I am so honored to be a part of the jurying process for the 2020 Chicago Artadia Awards. Throughout the first-round selection I have been deeply inspired by the incredibly impactful and pertinent work being created by artists in Chicago in this moment. Now more than ever artists need direct support, and I am grateful for Artadia for providing unrestricted awards during these uncertain times for many. Congratulations to the five outstanding finalists.” 

This is Artadia’s eleventh Award cycle in Chicago. The application was open to all visual artists living in Cook County, IL for over two years, working in any media, and at any stage of their career. Finalists and Artadia Award recipients are selected through Artadia’s rigorous, two-tier jury review process. In the first round of review, jurors evaluated all submissions and collaboratively determined the five Finalists. 

Read full press release here