Experimental Station seeks to build independent cultural infrastructure by providing essential resources that respond to local needs.
VISION
A future where all Illinoisans have affordable access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food; where young people flourish and are safe; where the voices of the community are elevated and heard; and where small, local businesses and organizations thrive.
HISTORY
Experimental Station was founded in 2002 by Dan Peterman and Connie Spreen based on over 30 years of socially, artistically, and environmentally significant projects operated at 6100 S. Blackstone Avenue in Woodlawn, Chicago.
The address, 6100 S Blackstone Ave, has a long history of hosting and operating socially, artistically, and environmentally significant projects and has developed a reputation among local, national, and international cultural networks.
1990
A devastating fire in April 2001 halted all activities. However, it provided an opportunity to establish the Experimental Station as a more sustainable organization to continue the types and quality of projects the building at 6100 S. Blackstone had become known.
2001
Experimental Station was formally founded to provide essential resources and support to initiatives that have impacts on local communities and the South Side of Chicago. In addition to offices and retail space, the Experimental Station initiated programs to support independent journalism, food security, and youth education.
2002
2006
Blackstone Bicycle Works moved back into the building as the Experimental Station adopted its youth education program and the retail shop. BBW was opened in 1994 as a project of the Resource Center (the city's oldest and largest non-profit recycler) by Dan Peterman, Jamie Kalven, and Andy Gregg. During the period of rebuilding after the fire, BBW operated at the Resource Center on property loaned by the University of Chicago.
2008
The 61st Street Farmers Market was launched with the assistance of an active group of volunteers to increase access to and affordability of fresh and healthy food for all residents in Chicago’s Woodlawn and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Experimental Station piloted Illinois’ first Double Value Coupon Program (later to become ‘Link Match’) at the 61st Street Farmers Market, which became the leader in Illinois to accept and promote Link at farmers markets.
2009
Chicago Farmers Markets Link Access was initiated in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services to provide SNAP/Link service at the City’s farmers markets. The program has continued under the City’s Department of Cultural and Special Events. In 2022, we are supporting 8 City-run farmers markets: Austin Town Hall, Bronzeville, CPS Roseland, Daley Plaza, Division Street, Englewood/Anchor House, West Humboldt Park, and Pullman.
2010
2011
Link Up Illinois was created to increase the affordability and accessibility of fresh foods by doubling the value of Link/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) purchases at farmers markets, farm stands, food co-ops, and independent grocery and corner stores across Illinois.
