Filter Photo

Filter Photo Gallery stands as one of Chicago’s leading platforms devoted entirely to the advancement of contemporary photography. Founded with the mission to support, connect, and elevate photo-based artists, the gallery has become a vital space for visual dialogue and experimentation. Since opening its doors in 2015, Filter Space has offered a welcoming environment for artists, curators, and the public to engage directly with photography in all its evolving forms—from traditional prints to conceptual and digital explorations.

The gallery’s exhibition program highlights a wide range of perspectives, emphasizing innovation, critical reflection, and craftsmanship. Filter Photo champions both emerging and established photographers, offering them opportunities to present new work in a context that encourages meaningful exchange and visibility. Each year, the gallery’s open call for exhibition proposals invites artists from across the country and beyond to contribute to a growing discourse that reflects the shifting landscape of photographic practice. Through this initiative, Filter continues to build a diverse and inclusive community where fresh voices and daring ideas are celebrated.

Beyond exhibitions, Filter Photo maintains a robust calendar of workshops, portfolio reviews, and artist talks that nurture creative and professional development. The organization’s flagship event, the annual Filter Photo Festival, further strengthens Chicago’s position as a major center for contemporary photography, bringing together artists, educators, and collectors in an atmosphere of collaboration and discovery. This ongoing engagement between local and global communities helps sustain an active and dynamic photographic culture within the city.

Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, Filter Space remains free and open to the public, embodying the gallery’s belief that photography should be accessible to everyone. Through its programs, Filter Photo continues to inspire, educate, and connect, shaping the future of photographic art while honoring its enduring relevance.