Julius Caesar (JC) began our journey 12 years ago in March, 2008. Beginning as a Sunday afternoon showcase of SAIC students, teachers, and graduates, JC has grown into an artist-run project space with international recognition. Although the scope of the project has grown, the lifeblood of JC has continued to be the sweat of dedicated directors. Donated labor has proven to be our most valuable commodity, but to sustain our role as a host for national and international artists and reduce exhibiting expenses for local artist, JC will host our 3rd Benefit Auction and first since 2017. All funds will go towards artists, programming and improving our space.

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JC ran its first major fundraiser in 2015, auctioning artworks donated by local and national artists. That money was used to transform an adjoining art studio into a second exhibition space, thereby doubling the gallery's footprint. That auction also enabled the purchase of a digital projector, flat screen TV, sound equipment, 10-foot ladder and chop saw- expenditures greatly enhancing curatorial flexibility. For the first time since opening in 2008, we were capable of having an exhibition space in one room and a screening in the second: an invaluable asset for the multi-disciplinary artists consistent with our programming.
 
Increased funding has also expanded the scope and reach of exhibition programming by funding artists from around the world to share their ideas and vision in Chicago. Likewise, sharing the ideas and visions in Chicago with those around the world. Over the following years we have contributed to help artists travel and ship work from NYC, LA, Toronto, Tampa, Paris, Berlin, Malta and more. One of our most notable projects relying on our funding was Barely Fair, a miniature contemporary art fair hosted inside JC. By fabricating 20 booths, tables, and lighting, JC was able to share artist-run project spaces with an audience from around the world during Art Week in Chicago.

JC has established financial stability with a low-overhead business model, but as with any non-commercial project, it’s an ongoing struggle. Julius Caesar has earned its standing as an ark of experimentation and rigorous debate, and the directors work tirelessly to improve the gallery's offerings. Our artists deserve it.