Follow Us!
The Brookfield Shops Creative Corner
The Village of Brookfield was awarded the Cook County Creative Placemaking Grant for exciting upgrades at the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park. This funding helped transform the Shops’ courtyard, creating an inviting outdoor event space for all to enjoy!
With a focus on community building and supporting local creativity, the enhanced courtyard introduced a featured art wall, several new art pieces, and upgraded signage. The project also included a paved stage, audio and lighting, event equipment, updated landscaping, improved infrastructure, and more!
This initiative is a true grassroots effort, co-created by residents, business owners, and local commissions, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable growth, support of the arts, and business development in Brookfield. It's part of a broader revitalization effort, championing both economic vitality and community enrichment throughout the 8-Corners District and beyond.
Read the press releases:
About the Grant
Creative Placemaking grants are supported by Cook County Arts, an initiative of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development made possible with American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Overall, Cook County is investing $2 million in community-led arts projects to boost the quality of life for its suburban residents. Teaming up with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to manage the grant, offer Learning Circles, and provide technical assistance to grantees.
Nonprofit organizations serving suburban neighborhoods applied for grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. These funds, coupled with expert guidance, are for Creative Placemaking projects designed to enhance the economic, physical, and social vitality of suburban communities through the power of art. This initiative aims to foster vibrant, thriving spaces where residents can connect and engage.
However, this initiative is more than a grant opportunity. It’s a shared journey that centers artists, community leaders, residents, and organizations in the planning process to truly transform and create shared spaces. Learn more about the program here!
A big THANK YOU!
The Shops’ new outdoor event space is the result of an incredible collaborative effort, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who was involved in this creative process. Thank you to our dedicated project team, grant advisors, county partners, artists, residents, contractors, and vendors whose creativity and hard work transformed the courtyard into a vibrant gathering place for Brookfield. From planning and design to painting and installation, this project reflects the power of partnership and community investment. We look forward to creating lasting memories here for years to come.
Learn more about the project team here.
Community Impact
Overall, the Brookfield Shops were created to help small businesses grow through a supportive, hands-on retail experience. Over the past few years, the program has brought new energy to the district by increasing foot traffic, strengthening community partnerships, and hosting engaging events that draw residents and visitors together. Vendors have experienced incredible success stories, including sold-out products, expanded customer bases, shelf space in stores, and graduation into a permanent location. They have even been featured across media outlets! The Shops continue to serve as a launchpad for creative entrepreneurs while contributing to a vibrant and connected Brookfield community.
Check out the media spotlights HERE
Get Involved
Excited about the upgraded courtyard and ready to get involved? We’d love to have you join the creativity happening at the Brookfield Shops! Whether you’re interested in hosting a workshop, organizing a community event, performing live music, showcasing your talents, or supporting local artisans and makers, there are plenty of ways to be part of the experience. The Shops are designed to bring people together through art, culture, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, and community participation is what makes it all possible.
Discover how you can support, collaborate, and help activate the Brookfield Shops this season by visiting our Get Involved page! HERE
Stay up to date on the Brookfield Shops by following our social media platforms or joining our e-blast newsletter!
Follow Us!