The Brookfield Shops Courtyard

Cook County Creative Placemaking Round 1

BIG CHANGES ARE COMING!

The Brookfield Theater Corp, in partnership with the Village of Brookfield, was awarded the Cook County Creative Placemaking Grant for exciting upgrades at the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park. This funding will help transform the Shops’ courtyard, creating an inviting outdoor event space for all to enjoy!

With a focus on community building and supporting local artists, the enhanced courtyard will introduce a featured art wall, more space for unique pieces, and upgraded landscaping. The project also includes an elevated stage, audio and lighting, event equipment, updated signage, 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.

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!

Expected Timeline

Quarter 3 2025 (July - Sep.)

Quarter 4 2025 (Oct. - Dec.)

Quarter 1 2026 (Jan. - March)

Quarter 2 2026 (April - June)

Quarter 3 2026 (July - Sep.)

Project team orientation
Secure contractors
Artist selection
Ongoing community engagement

Finalize stage buildout
Install art pieces
Enhance on-site signage
Ongoing community engagement

Site clean up and maintenance
Open applications for performers and artists
Upgrade landscaping
Ongoing community engagement

Welcome the 2026 entrepreneurs
Confirm the 2026 event calendar
Complete final touches on site
Ongoing community engagement

Implement long-term maintenance
Final reporting & impact data

How to Get Involved

Excited about the new event space and want to get involved? We’d love for you to join the creative process! Keep reading below to discover how YOU can share your feedback, create featured art pieces, offer suggestions, and even perform live at the Brookfield Shops!

Share your Feedback

Are you a local artist, performer, resident, or frequent shopper at the Brookfield Shops? We want to hear from you! To ensure that the enhanced outdoor event space works for the local community, we encourage you to share your feedback, ideas, and questions!

Our goal is to create a space that is flexible and works for a variety of events - workshops, author readings, live music, small productions, business networking opportunities, and more! Share your insight today by clicking here

Attend Community Events

During the 2025 Shops season, the project team will be hosting community events at the Shops and throughout Brookfield. Residents, business owners, and local leaders are invited to join the events to share ideas for the courtyard, engage with the Shops team, and learn more about economic development via the arts!

Specifically, the team will host monthly Community Development Corners at the Shops, as well as pop up at local events including the Farmers Market and Art Fest. Check out all upcoming events here!

Perform Live On Site

Can’t wait for the new event space to share your creative talents or musical abilities? Apply today to be a live artist or musician on site! Even before the stage is built, YOU are invited to perform at the Shops during open hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Local businesses and organizations are even encouraged to host events at the Shops. Our vibrant location is the perfect spot for outdoor workshops, team-building, and more all while shopping the 6 mini storefronts! Learn more, and apply, by clicking here.

Courtyard Get

Create art to be featured at the Shops

Calling all artists! We would LOVE to feature your work throughout the Shops site. In fact, we are looking for local artists to create unique pieces for the Brookfield Shops that celebrate COMMUNITY. The pieces are 3’x4’ or 4’x8’ wooden panels and will be located on the sides of the Shops and on the feature wall behind the stage, respectively.

Submissions are due by September 5th and will be reviewed by the project team. Selected artists will receive a stipend, along with materials, to create the pieces. Our goal is for the pieces to be installed on site for an unveiling celebration by mid-October 2025.

Have questions? Email: Info@thebrookfieldshops.com

Submit your art concept or rendering today!