But there is hope. In the dusty corners of the world, individuals, friends, collaborators, and affinity groups are cementing bonds and creating methods for survival in this so-called “marketplace” where we all work, play, and inhabit. These artists, art workers, writers, activists, and organizers (also their enthusiasts, supporters, and fans) still believe in growing the gardens of our social and cultural ecology, despite the hardships we collectively endure.

Version 11 is a celebration of the Chicago communities—projects, spaces, groups, individuals—creating their own strategies for participatory economies, co-prosperity, and the pursuit of genuine happiness. Version will demonstrate the possible, celebrate the impossible, and showcase the ingenuity, spirit and passion that create The Community we aspire to take part in together. This is an invitation to share your community, your goals, your dreams for a better Community of the Future. It’s all we have left.

Produced by the Public Media Institute, a non profit 501(c)(3) arts organization, Version is an annual arts convergence that brings together hundreds of artists, cultural workers, and educators from around the world to present some of the most challenging ideas and progressive art initiatives of our day. The ten day festival showcases emerging trends in art, technology and music.

The festival presents a diverse program of activities featuring an exposition/art fair called The MDW Fair, guest curated exhibitions, a massive reenactment of the Haymarket Square riot, community garden projects, public interventions, video screenings, performances, live art, presentations, talks, workshops, art rendezvous and action.

See the website for a complete schedule of events and locations.

Manifest is an urban arts festival celebrating the work and creativity of Columbia students. Each year it attracts an audience of students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, alumni, patrons, donors, industry professionals, neighborhood residents, and the Chicago arts community. The festival is free and open to the public and features music, exhibitions, screenings, presentations, performances, and much more!

Join us to amplify micro-movements and nowtopian ideas!

The festival will include: historical re-enactments, antiwar organizing, Version tv shows, an art parade, an artist-run art expo, a catalog of interventionist strategies, networking between independent groups and spaces, inflatable art, one-night exhibition formats, Do-It-Yourself and Do-It-Together projects, the Tech Noir Bar, a mobile silkscreen printing cart, artist granting projects, a national WPA-inspired public poster project, a free school, impressive musical performances, boring theoretical nonsense, mapping projects, pop-up galleries, Korean/Polish BBQ and more!

See the website for a complete schedule of events and locations.

Performers include Libby O’Bryan, Jennifer Mills, Chryssa Tsampazi, André Lenox & Evan Lenox, Marissa Perel, Alan & Michael Flemming, Noah Logan, Millie Kapp and Isabella Ng, Chloe Seibert, Ethan White, Colin Self, students of SAIC choreographed by Stephanie Bailey, Christopher Bradley, Allison Fall, Elise Goldstein and Jillian Soto.

For details, the schedule and reservations, see the website.