By Brenda Torres Figueroa
El Schomburg is a contemporary art space located in the heart of Humboldt Park, in Chicago, in the Puerto Rican Diaspora neighborhood.
Inspired by the legacy and vision of Afro Puerto Rican historian, bibliophile and activist Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (1874–1938), El Schomburg prioritizes the visibility, circulation and production of art from Puerto Rico and its Diaspora, serving as the axis where artists, cultural workers, patrons and the community can self-actualize, reclaim, exchange ideas, and organize around artistic and cultural practices.
As is reimagined through the lens of Schomburg’s bequest, el Schomburg | Espacio de Arte Contemporaneo or “El Schomby” known colloquially by GenZers is housed in a one story 2200 square feet storefront located at 2538 W Division St. Chicago.
The distinctive black facade of El Schomburg depicts a portrait of young Arturo surrounded by lace moths. This mural piece known as “Rebirth” centralizes the use and reflection of light as the Butterflies (moths) become portals and carriers of knowledge, particularly our indigenous, ancestral and spiritual knowledge through the visual metaphor of light centralized through the portrait’s vocal cords.
On the inside El Schomburg supports an art gallery, designated art production spaces and an art lab. Since late September El Schomburg has hosted after school programming for young women interested in learning about the creation of businesses in the arts (FemmePreneurs in the Arts) through After School Matters (ASM) in collaboration with Clemente Academy High School. El Schomburg’s art labs or art education labs, open to all ages include Bomba: Dance, Song and History, Latin Dance Rhythms, Open Art Labs, Vejigante making classes and Threads Sanctuary.
Regular programming at El Schomburg includes art openings, receptions, bombazos, dance socials, table talks and tours. For more information about El Schomburg | Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo, to schedule a visit or consultation please visit www.elschomburg.com, contact us by email at [email protected]
