"'Agency: Craft in Chicago from the 1970s-80s and Beyond,'" generously supported by the Terra Foundation through Art Design Chicago 2024. This upcoming exhibition aims to spotlight artists historically marginalized within mainstream art narratives, while acknowledging the enduring influence of white male dominance without excluding it entirely. Themes of colonialism, oppression, discrimination, and racism permeate societal structures and institutional art norms, positioning craft as an outsider within "high art."

During the 1970s, craft emerged as a powerful tool for artists advocating change within the art world and society. These creators aimed to dismantle rigid categorizations, enlighten societal perceptions, and elevate appreciation for individual expression and identity. These issues persist today, prompting a renewed examination of their contemporary relevance.

The exhibition will prominently feature works by Ukrainian and Chicago artists from diverse backgrounds, including Latinx, Native-American, African-American, Asian, LGBTQ, immigrant communities, and others. By providing additional exhibition opportunities, the UIMA Agency aims to deepen understanding of these artists' contributions, amplifying their voices and enriching cultural dialogue. This inclusive approach broadens perspectives on artistic practice and fosters a more inclusive narrative of art history, reflecting the complex identities shaping contemporary expression."

Agency: Craft in Chicago from the 1970s-80s and Beyond is part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlights the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities.