alt_ is a contagious, artist-led engine (501c3) that undertakes tangible acts of service, using art and faith as tools to galvanize impassioned, self-sufficient communities to join in, at a time when past and present injustices spur us to collectively imagine our best future.

A collaboration between Jon Veal and Jordan Campbell, Alt Space Chicago (abbreviated alt_) was created in response to the trauma of the Black community and the belief that art could be used as a tool for healing. Campbell’s family history of community stewardship + entrepreneurship and Veal’s lifelong passion for art merged to positively disrupt their communities through tangible acts of service. Sharing the mutual motivators of family, community, change and servanthood, Veal and Campbell moved forward to create alt_.

Since its inception, alt_ has expanded into an artist-led, Chicago-based cultural non-profit that is dedicated to revitalization + service + empowerment through art, faith, and community. alt_ provides an alternative to the dominant cultural narrative, manifesting new opportunities on the South and West Sides of Chicago.

No longer satisfied with the way things have always been done, alt_ is a swift deviation from the norm, a rallying cry for change. The name alt_ posits that there are different — alternative — ways of improving our world and ways of doing: alternative powers of structure, alternative ways of thinking, alternative ways to cultivate culture + community + connection.

To extend this metaphor, the ALT key is used to change the function of other pressed keys. In other words, alt space has no function on its own; it must always work in concert with others to effect change. The outcome of using the ALT key in conjunction with another key is a wholly new outcome. 

The underscore after alt [ _ ] is a stand-in for the space where this change is happening: in our city, in our neighborhoods and in our minds. 

SERVICES WE OFFER: art education, art creation, art installation, art collaboration, mentorship, job training, technical training, communal space.

  • Jordan Campbell is documentary photographer and arts educator whose social practice is rooted in advocacy for political and economic transformation within marginalized communities. Through his teaching artist roles and community activism, Campbell created a pedagogy of reform based in artistic expression. As a teacher at Austin Career Academy in Chicago, Campbell used his camera as a tool to give voice to people in need. 

    Campbell served as a member of The Chicago Avenue Corridor Improvement Study Team in partnership with Lamar Johnson Collaborative and CDOT, was named one of 40 Gamechangers under 40 in 2022 amongst other Chicago Black professionals who are excelling in their field, is a 2022 Chicago Bulls MLK Honoree and most recently was named as a Leader for A New Chicago by The Field Foundation in 2024.

    Jordan Co-Founded the Redemptive Plastics program and continues to execute its mission to redeem plastic alongside community members. He possesses a unique style of exuberance and you will hardly find him saying no or thinking something cannot be done. His passion is infinitely aimed at what IS possible and he believes wholeheartedly in collaboration and experiencing milestones of growth and movement with his community, colleagues and everyone he meets.

    Outside of work, Jordan enjoys frequenting art galleries, reading, cooking for friends and family, running, painting and unicycling.

  • Amanda has been part of the alt_ family since its inception in 2019, joining both Jon and Jordan at Day Two of Project Stamp as a photographer documenting the momentous occasion. Amanda officially became a staff member of alt_ in early 2023, as a coordinator for the Redemptive Plastics program and has since expanded into varying supportive roles for alt_.

    Amanda has a degree in Advertising from the College of Communications, University of Illinois. After 12 years in the print industry, Amanda wanted more and left her career behind for more freedom to pursue her passions. She worked as a manager On Tour Brewing for 3 years as she fine-tuned her crafts of photography and curation.

    Amanda is a self-taught photographer and self-made curator. During the pandemic she launched Kiss The Brain art pop-up where she featured local artists and gave many artists an opportunity to showcase their work for the first time. She’s a staunch advocate for creatives and making art accessible. She is an artist and storyteller at heart, and has carved her own path in today’s technological world.

    Amanda loves being in and photographing nature, engaging in creative and eccentric photo projects, roadtrips, live music, trying new foods, rearranging furniture(and then rearranging it again), COFFEE, hiking and yoga.

  • With 7 years of experience in the construction industry, Nick has a proven track record of managing subcontractors and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. He is passionate about collaboration and teamwork to address complex issues and meet community and client needs.

    Before joining alt_, Nick held Project Engineer and Cost Analyst roles at Turner Construction Company, completing projects such as the innovative David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is OSHA Certified. He is knowledgeable in the use of Autodesk programs (such as AutoCAD, BIM 360 Glue, Navisworks). 

    Outside of work, Nick enjoys film photography, playing guitar, rollerskating with friends and reading James Baldwin novels. 

photo above taken by Kenn Cook. glass art created by Ndivhuho Rasengani. bench created by Kevin Reiswig. Pottery [ small milk jug pictured ] created by Zach Grand

2025 Governing Board

CC Mercer Watson

Grace Elizabeth Oxley

Krisann Rehbein

Joi Freeman

Chris Paicely

2025 Advisory Board

Nae'Keisha Jones

Joseph Veal

Norman Teague

Tanner Woodford

Maurice Reed