WHO WE ARE >

People + Practice.

FOUNDER + ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Lauren M. Pacheco is a Mexican-American born and raised in Chicago's southwest. She is a civic practice artist and cultural worker with over fifteen years of arts administration, curation, and project management experience. Her background is grounded in social practice and public engagement with a personal mandate to responsibly and respectfully invest in targeted communities. Today, Pacheco serves as a resource to policymakers and institutions in the public dialogue about issues that impact artists and creative enterprises.

Lauren is co-founder of the Chicago Urban Art Society and Slow & Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival. She is an associate faculty lecturer and former director of arts programming and engagement at Indiana University Northwest in the School of the Arts. Currently, she is a Co-Creative Director with the Chicago Humanities Festival.

Lauren lives with her husband, Phil, and two pit bulls in Gary, Indiana.

Current Affiliations: Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange, Landmarks Illinois, Calumet Heritage Area, The Ragdale Foundation, Exhibit Columbus Curatorial Partner 2022-23

Academic Institutions: University of Illinois at Chicago, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University