An Extended Song of Our People: AESOP began in 2019 as a creative collaboration between the Chicago
Transit Authority (CTA), Theaster Gates Studio and Rebuild Foundation.
AESOP provides Chicago commuters with a cultural amenity that celebrates shared history, showcases local talent, and centers the voices and stories of Black and Brown people. The booth reflects the rich cultural history and limitless future of music in the African American
community.

The DJ Booth, conceived by artist Theaster Gates, includes a custom desk from the former Johnson Publishing Company (Ebony/Jet) headquarters in downtown Chicago designed by Arthur Elrod. It pays homage to African American culture and history.

Similarly, the record storage wall in the installation is comprised of slate elements that were salvaged from the St. Laurence Church prior to its demolition in 2014, repurposed slate black boards from St. Laurence School in Grand Crossing, wood trays used in the production of chewing gum at the Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company and a collection of vinyl albums from the long-defunct Dr. Wax Records store.

Ayana Contreras serves as Creative Director of programming.

For more information, contact us at AESOP95thChicago@gmail.com