Ellis Park
We invite you to celebrate and meet Lional "Brother El" Freeman at the Anchor Residency Curator Welcome Reception at Ellis Park on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Starting at 5:30 pm, you’ll have the chance to mingle with the curator, enjoy local bites from Carver 47, and connect with fellow community members. The evening will culminate with a panel at 6:00 pm featuring past and present Anchor collaborators, and we’ll have the grand debut of our Anchor Monograph! RSVP for event through this link. This monograph, which was published at the end of last year, is now ready to make its way out into the world for you, dear readers. It builds on the success of previous residencies at Austin Town Hall Park and Marquette Park. In partnership with Sixty Inches From Center, an online art publication, the publication critically engages with the residency’s learnings and outcomes, highlighting how municipalities can empower culture workers to address community harm through public/private partnerships. Supported by a grant from the Terra Foundation in 2024 and additional support from the Builder’s Initiative, the monograph was edited by multidisciplinary artist Kamilah Rashied. Anchor Curatorial Residency is a funded Chicago Park District community-driven curatorial residency that rotates among the Chicago Park District’s Cultural Centers. ** About Lional "Brother El" Freeman Brother El is a Chicago-based social practice artist, spontaneous composer, audio engineer, and educator whose work bridges music, community engagement, and public space. Rooted in hip-hop, DIY culture, and South Side Chicago, he is known for his improvised Live PA performances using drum machines, samplers, and synthesizers. He also founded The Beat Bank and creates dynamic public art events, such as Sandbox Symphony, transforming spaces into vibrant, community-centered cultural hubs. Through his work, Brother El expands access to art, uplifts youth and artist communities, and inspires creative possibility. We can’t wait to see his vision come to life at Ellis Park!
