EDUCATION, ACCESS, AND COMMUNITY FOR 3D OBJECT MAKERS

Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center (CIADC) is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, charitable organization with a mission to provide continuing education, working access, and community for 3D object makers working with materials and processes requiring industrial workspace, specialized skill-sets, and shop equipment.

CIADC is a multidisciplinary industrial arts resource center featuring dedicated departments in Casting & Molding, Fabricated Metalworking & Forging, Integrated Technology & Design, and Woodworking, for Adults and Teens.

Programming is designed to appeal to DIYers, craftspeople, makers, artists, and innovators of all skill levels and interests.  CIADC offers the shared space, tools, and community of a makerspace with the structure of a continuing education center. Classes and workshops are offered on a quarterly basis in all four departments.  For those comfortable with the tools, materials, and processes offered, studio access work time outside of classes is available to both students and non-students.

Housing the breadth of four in-depth Studio Departments under one roof allows for an easy cross-medium, cross-process approach to making.  Whether creating kinetic metal sculptures with digital controllers, tables of forged metal bases and wood tops, or 3D printed models cast in aluminum, we offer endless opportunities for integration.

CIADC is located in the north side Chicago neighborhood of Rogers Park, near the intersection of Devon and Ravenswood. We have 10,500 square feet of industrial space, including 3 stories of poured concrete with a freight elevator, and an abundance of windows providing natural light.  The building has maker roots: the precursor to Zenith Electric, the Chicago Radio Laboratory, occupied the space in the 1920s! Our facility is easily accessible by car, bike, and public transit, and has dedicated parking.