mission | StreetEyes

Our Mission, Our Why

This website was created to serve artists that are underserved by our society. This includes those experiencing homelessness and incarceration. We believe in presenting our artists for who they are - people.

What do we offer our artists?

Currently we offer the best return to our artists of any marketplace. Similar marketplaces take 50% of original sales and 90% of reprint sales. Yes, that is right. For a $30 reprint sale the artist would see $3. That is simply not enough and it is our belief those rates of return are taking advantage of these underprivileged groups.

Why the homeless and incarcerated?

These demographics are deeply related. Often homelessness and housing insecurity can lead to incarceration. When an inmate is released without support or money this frequently leads to homelessness. It is a vicious cycle that needs intervention and we believe our mission is a start.

What missions do we support?

Art by Tony

What does your support mean for our future?

Through art we see opportunity for a brighter future for our artists. We hope to bring greater humanization and empathy to these groups that are underserved by society. By purchasing our art, sharing our stories, or donating you are supporting our artists and the development of future missions.

Art Sales

We offer a marketplace for artists, with the best margins of return on their work. We also provide the opportunity for artists to give back to their communities with up to 15% of their sales going to a charity of their choice.

Our community area also provides an area for artists to release written work including: Life updates. poems, short stories, and aphorisms.

Chicago Outreach (Temporarily Suspended)

We also offer a biweekly outreach group in downtown Chicago. The goal is to use donations as conversation starters with those experiencing homelessness. Often those experiencing homelessness are deprived of an essential element that most of us take for granted - human connection and compassion.

Want to learn more? Check out our community page.

Street-wize (in development)

Currently we are developing an art program for inmates serving time inside. The class is centered around art therapy with a goal to provide students with:

Arts and crafts skills
Understanding of how art can be used productively in self-expression
Understanding of how art can be used therapeutically
An opportunity for a student to be a featured artist on StreetEyes.

Why is art so important?

Art has been used to impart feelings, novel ideas and stories onto viewers for thousands of years. Today we find ourselves somewhat disconnected from art as it once was and absent its greatest effect - to inspire. Here you will find art generated from the soul. Each artist on this website has a story and through their work you will get a glimpse into their identity, insight into their story, and a chance to support them. From their eyes to yours.

What is a featured artist?

A featured artist is someone we have identified as someone who reflects all of our values and whose story we would like to give greater insight.

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