Press Release:
Chicago, IL (May 13, 2021)
Due to increased capacity limits and the City’s continued progress in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has made the decision to move forward with a 2021 Wells Street Art Festival on August 14th & 15th, 2021. We’re excited to bring back this highly-anticipated neighborhood tradition, and to showcase everything Old Town has to offer.
The safety and well-being of residents, guests, and businesses in the neighborhood is a priority for the OTMRA. The OTMRA will continue to follow all City guidelines surrounding COVID-19 as it pertains to the Wells Street Art Festival.
With an estimated 50,000 attendees, the festival showcases juried artists in a number of different categories including painting, photography, sculptures, digital, and many more. The festival also celebrates the Old Town neighborhood, featuring a dozen Old Town restaurants and a number of local retailers. The Wells Street Art Festival is a major driver for small businesses. In 2019, the festival brought in an estimated $600,000 in revenue to brick and mortar businesses in Old Town. Funds raised by the festival go to benefit the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association to fund neighborhood initiatives, including quality-of-life efforts for residents in the Old Town neighborhood.
About the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
Since its establishment in 1971, the OTMRA has served as the voice of the Old Town community advocating city services for businesses and residents. Working in partnership with our local aldermen, the OTMRA addresses issues concerning development in the neighborhood, streetscape maintenance, business development, and promotion of the neighborhood as a destination in Chicago. The OTMRA also hosts regular social events, informational workshops, business roundtables, and the Wells Street Art Festival.
Media Contacts
Linda Fleener, Executive Director, Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, lfleener@oldtownchicago.org