The story of the Mile of Murals, located along Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park on the far north side of Chicago, is the story of resilience in a time of great economic crisis. The 2008 launch of the Mile of Murals project coincided with the start of the Great Recession that led to empty storefronts and foreclosures throughout Chicago. By transforming concrete railroad viaducts and retaining walls into an outdoor art gallery, the Mile of Murals helped create an important community gathering space that put Glenwood Avenue on the map as an arts district. At a time of financial uncertainty, the Mile of Murals drew visitors and businesses to the area and created a sense of community identity for Rogers Park’s diverse residents. Although the pandemic forced the reimagining of staple events like the art festival and farmers markets, the rise of outdoor dining created a unique opportunity to position the Glenwood corridor as a more permanent outdoor gathering space for the entire community. Join us for a mobile workshop along the Mile of Murals to hear from local businesses and organizers how the mural project has impacted the community.