Firebird Community Arts

Founded in 1990 and located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, Firebird Community Arts (Firebird) offers glassblowing and ceramics programs for individuals injured by gun violence, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, undocumented populations, and Chicago Public School students on the South and West sides. With this award for professional development, Firebird staff participates in a racial equity workshop and a leadership development course.

Firebird Community Arts empowers and connects Chicagoans through the healing practice of glassblowing and ceramic arts. It primarily serves populations affected by trauma, including individuals injured by gun violence, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, undocumented populations, and Chicago Public School students on the South and West sides. It draws on the art forms of ceramics and glassblowing because these require collaboration and patience while fostering healing and creative expression. Its signature program, Project FIRE, is a glassblowing, employment, mentoring, and mental health program for youth injured by gun violence. Its teen program, named FireWorks, offers year-round glassblowing and ceramics instruction for Chicago Public High School students. This award supports general operations.

Founded in 1990 and located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, Firebird Community Arts (Firebird) offers glassblowing and ceramics programs for individuals injured by gun violence, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, undocumented populations, and Chicago Public School students on the South and West sides. With this award for professional development, Firebird participates in a certified nonprofit accounting program and a teacher training program focused on mindfulness and leadership development.

Firebird Community Arts (Firebird) is 25-year-old visual arts organization that primarily serves populations affected by collective and individualized trauma, including individuals injured by gun violence, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, undocumented populations, and Chicago Public School students on the South and West sides. It draws on the art forms of ceramics and glassblowing because these require collaboration and patience while fostering healing and creative expression. With this award for institutional support, Firebird strengthens its organizational structure by building a cash reserve and expanding its capacity for communications and development.