The Society for Arts was established in December of 1981, and was renamed in 1993 due to its increasing number of statutory objectives. The organization is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit institution focused on promoting cultural communication between Europe and the United States. Annually, we bring together film festivals exploring european cinema, art exhibitions, and concerts. Our objective is not only to assist in supporting the most ambitious cultural projects but also to provide assistance to individual needs of art collectors and enthusiasts of european art and culture. Given our dedication to stimulating the exchange of ideas in all areas of art and culture, the educational programming at the society for arts encompasses lectures and panel discussions, workshops and meetings with leading artists and scholars.

The Society For Arts building is located in the lower Milaukee Avenue corridor in the historical section of Chicago, now called East Village, although names of Wicker Park and West Town are being used as well. This area was within the original boundaries of Chicago in 1833 while Milwaukee Avenue, one of Chicago’s few diagonal streets, originally served as an indian trail which followed a buffalo path to the Chicago river. The area has been always a vital part of the city adding to an important role of Milwaukee Avenue as pathway in and out of the inner city. The Society house was originally designed as a bank by Whitney & Williams. It was built in 1920, and purchased along with adjacent lots for the Society by Kamyszew family in December of 1993. It was officially opened on November 3, 1994.