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One of the defining features of Chicago’s urban design/roadways is the network of neighborhood alleys. At times considered an extension of the home as well as a community gathering space, alleys have a unique and fascinating history in Chicago. Back Alley Jazz is a project conceptualized by Chicago artists Fo Wilson and Norman Teague in collaboration with the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and the Hyde Park Art Center to activate garages and alleys on Chicago’s South Side. The project creates a contemporary neighborhood happening that animates, builds on, and celebrates Chicago’s history and continuum of the home/garage or neighborhood jam. The Management Studio team for this project focused on researching, developing and producing a “learning lab” exhibition and activity space as part of the inaugural Back Alley Jazz Event. The students produced and archived extensive research around the event’s origins and history, acquired and mounted photographs from the original jam session photographers, developed public education and activity programs, and designed the exhibition space. |