We are a communal workspace
The John David Mooney Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 educational arts organization that seeks to transform the public domain through art, architecture, and urban planning.
As an extension of the artistic woks of John David Mooney, It has always been the Foundation's goal to make art publicly accessible, as well as to foster and demonstrate the ways art and artists have a unique societal responsibility. The Foundation fulfills its mission in three ways: by creating accessible art experiences within the public domain, by providing interdisciplinary, professional studio experience and leadership training in the arts, and by bringing the very best international art and architecture to Chicago. Through our unique Internship and Apprenticeship programs, the events we host in conjunction with other arts institutions, and through the shows and exhibitions we host in our International Currents Gallery, the Foundation hopes to connect Chicago to the world of international art and bring international art to Chicago's doorstep.
All events hosted by the Foundation are free and open to the public.
Vietnamese art expert Sophie Hughes speaking about Post-War Vietnamese Art November, 2016
How we make a difference
Postgraduate and post doctoral Internships and Apprenticeships have been offered to more than 670 professional artists, architects, urban planners, humanists, scientists, engineers and philosophers from around the world. This interdisciplinary program chooses exceptional individuals for residencies lasting from six months to two years and stresses the responsibility of the artist to society, offering insights into how the artists can offer their talents to enhance our daily life.
Learn more about Internship opportunities
Workshops for inner city schools have given young people, both at the elementary and high school level, the opportunity to actively engage with JDMF Interns and receive hands-on art training in the actual working studios at the Foundation. This program was most recently implemented with fourth-graders from St. Dorothy's School on Chicago's south side.
The Mooney Foundation is always interested in engaging with schools, educational programs or other organizations interested in expanding arts education in Chicago. If you are interested in learning more about working with us, please contact us
International Currents Exhibitions feature international contemporary artists whose work has not been presented before in Chicago. The Foundation has taken on the responsibility of introducing these international artists and their cutting-edge work to Chicago artists, patrons and the public through seminars, lectures, exhibitions and catalogues.
See more about our International Currents Gallery
Facilities and Resources
The John David Mooney Foundation has ideal space for research and experimentation, as well as "museum quality" space for public presentations.
The Foundation's centrally located, five-story building is a destination for the public and is essential to its mission of serving the community. 24,000 square feet of space are used for exhibitions, workshops, seminars, lectures, receptions, and program collaborations with other cultural institutions, including 8,000 square feet of exhibition space, 8,000 square feet of studio space and, for installations and performances, an additional 4,000 square feet of raw space.
Galleries on the 1st and 2nd level serve primarily as international exhibition space, with the 2nd floor serving as the Foundation's International Currents Gallery. Four thousand square feet of raw space under a 14-foot high ceiling makes the Foundation's street level chamber ideal for installations, concerts, workshops, and performances.
The 3rd and 4th levels are home to the Foundation's offices, work space, and conference facilities, as well as a sophisticated AES UNIX computer system for two- and three-dimensional modeling, several archival collections, three darkrooms, four studios for Artists/Scholars in Residence, and a major library. The building has an ample loading dock and generous room for construction activities, while the basement serves as archival, fabrication, and studio space.
We are a 100% volunteer organization
The Foundation is truly unique among non-profit organizations in that all of the personnel are volunteers, including the Administrator and Director. All funding goes directly to the support of the Foundation's programs. Every dollar given has a direct impact on a successful outcome.
As a non-profit institution, The Mooney Foundation relies on the generosity of our donors for the ongoing support and continuation of Foundation activities.
Learn more about how you can help