Arts of Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in January 2000, with a shared vision: to create a person-centric, working artistic community and provide a work environment of equality and inclusion in Chicago.

Started by founding artist Veronica Cuculich and two co-directors, Arts of Life was launched with nine intrepid individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their shared vision grew from a passion for artistic expression and a need for an alternative system. Today they support over 80 artists.

For artists at Arts of Life, a career in the visual arts is an opportunity for meaningful employment. At their three professional art studios, each artist has their own studio space and works independently from individualized project plans or receives 1:1 visual arts facilitation to increase their artistic skill set. Artists earn a monthly stipend for participation in the program with eligibility to receive bonuses based on personal annual art sales. In 2021, Arts of Life launched community programs in partnership with art centers in Evanston and Highland Park to engage more artists in their own communities