ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen—A UNIQUE DESTINATION FOR FOOD, CULTURE, AND ART IN GARY, IN
ArtHouse is focused on creating a space that positively reflects the city of Gary and provides a platform for economic and artistic activity in the downtown area. The site will evolve continuously through the work of partner organizations and creative individuals. It has become a dynamic destination for food, culture, and art lovers to meet, gather, and learn.
The reimagined space at 411 E 5th Avenue/ArtHouse provides access to a commercial training kitchen for local residents and emerging businesses, culinary business incubation (CBI) and operation space, a pop up café shaped by CBI participants, community dinners in Gary homes and the café, and gallery/exhibition space. Mama Pearl’s will continue to operate from this location.
Project leadership includes the Gary Economic Development Corporation and Department of Commerce, led by Mayor Karen-Freeman Wilson's office, as well as lead artist Theaster Gates, Place Lab, and the Harris School of Public Policy Daley Fellowship at the university of Chicago. ArtHouse is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies through its Public Art Challenge initiative. Additional funding is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation's 2015 Knight Cities Challenge.