Arts & Culture Archives – Borderless Magazine NFP

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Featured

A Chicago Book Club Offers Filipinos a Chance To Reconnect to Their Roots

From contemporary novels to José Rizal’s writings, the Balikbayan Book Club uses literature and Filipino comfort food to explore Filipino history, identity and community.

F. Amanda TugadeOctober 29, 2026

Daniel Ponce lifts a large canvas inside the Ramova Theatre. He is setting up the City Script panels before an event on Sept. 11, 2026.

Araceli Ramirez for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Latest

This Street Art Project is Making Art More Accessible For Chicagoans

Founded by Albany Park artist Daniel Ponce, City Script is giving Chicagoans a chance to create murals alongside local artists.

Araceli RamirezOctober 1, 2026

On a rainy day, Lorenzo Espinoza (left) presents the trophy to Omar Ayala (right) after Morelia’s 2-0 win against Atlético Nacional on September 20, 2026.

Photo by Jonathan Torres

Arts & Culture Latest

Some Of Chicago’s Oldest Latino Soccer Clubs Now In A League Of Their Own

CLASA Elite — founded and operated by 10 Latino soccer clubs with Chicago ties going back decades — concluded its inaugural season in Englewood Sunday.

Jonathan TorresSeptember 25, 2026

Brian Nazario, stands on Lawrence avenue, in the neighborhood where he grew up, Albany Park.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Latest Neighborhood Guide

A Tattoo Artist’s Guide to Albany Park

From a lively pool hall to a bakery selling traditional Mexican sweet breads, tattoo artist Brian Nazario shares the spots that he believes makes Albany Park unique.

Camilla ForteSeptember 18, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson stands alongside elected officials and organizers under the Little Village Arch to discuss plans for the upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations this weekend.

Charles Thrush/Block Club Chicago

Arts & Culture Immigration Policy Latest

City Officials Promise Safe Mexican Independence Day Celebrations This Weekend, 1 Year After Midway Blitz

Leaders took a stand against federal immigration enforcement on Tuesday, pledging a safe and fun weekend full of Mexican Independence Day activities.

Charles Thrush, Block Club ChicagoSeptember 9, 2026

Community organizer Baraht Sharma stands for a portrait with his arms crossed in West Ridge’s Warren Park.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Latest Neighborhood Guide Visuals

A Community Organizer’s Guide to West Ridge

From a beloved grocery store to a family-owned Pakistani restaurant, Bharat Sharma shares the places he believes make West Ridge special.

Camilla ForteSeptember 3, 2026

Alejandro Quiroz poses for a portrait on a path in McKinley Park’s natural reserve on May 30, 2026.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Latest Neighborhood Guide

An Artist’s Guide to McKinley Park

From a DIY skate park to restaurant favorites, artist and curator Alejandro Quiroz shares the spaces that reflect the spirit of the McKinley Park community.

Camilla ForteAugust 13, 2026

Actor Dre Meza plays an acorn character with a large mask during Free Street's debut performance of "Touch Grass" at Davis Square Park in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Environment and Health Latest Visuals

A 12-Foot Puppet. A Small House. A Play On The Southwest Side About The Impact of Trees

A theater troupe is bringing an interactive puppet show to Chicago’s South and West Side parks this month, encouraging people to learn more about how trees impact community health.

Tara Mobasher and Camilla ForteJuly 24, 2026

David Hernandez stands outside near a tree as he holds a photograph of his parents' wedding, taken around 1968, in Logan Square.

Araceli Ramirez/Block Club Chicago

Arts & Culture Latest Top Stories

Nuestro Chicago Archives Is Documenting Latino Life In The City — And Wants Your Old Family Photos

Thais Beltran launched the project’s website in May and is collecting submissions of photos and videos taken before 2008.

Araceli RamirezJuly 23, 2026

Anthony Cahuatijo, 13, is surrounded by adults at a table as he sorts his new stickers by country before adding them to his Panini album during the Logan Square Library Branch Panini swap event on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Latest Visuals

Panini Sticker Swap Meets Help Some Chicago Immigrants Reconnect to Childhood Memories

For collectors who grew up watching the World Cup abroad, completing the Panini World Cup album is more than a hobby — it’s a tradition tied to childhood memories.

Camilla ForteJuly 16, 2026

Nina Shoman-Dajani, Executive Director of the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, sits on a couch inside the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Featured Latest

Chicago Palestine Film Festival Executive Director Speaks On Culture, Visibility

Nina Shoman-Dajani, executive director of the Chicago Palestine Film Festival, hopes the festival uplifts Palestinians, educates allies and inspires others through art and cinema.

Tara MobasherApril 17, 2026

An actor playing Jesus carries a large cross as an actor playing a solider yells at him during the Via Crucis procession along 18th Street in Pilsen.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Latest Visuals

Inside Pilsen’s Living Stations of the Cross: The 49-Year Tradition Drawing Hundreds to 18th Street

Pilsen’s Via Crucis has run for 49 years. For the families who keep it going, it’s more than a performance.

Camilla ForteApril 3, 2026

Ismelda Salazar, organizer with South West Organizing Project (SWOP), is seen outside at night as she sings for lodging during a posada reenactment in Oak Park on Dec. 19, 2025.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Top Stories

From Noche Buena to Wigilia: How Immigrant Families Lean into Faith on Christmas Eve

For Latino, Filipino and Polish communities, Christmas Eve is a celebration of love, unity and faith.

Tara MobasherDecember 23, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Featured Staff Pick

Borderless’ 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Immigrant-Owned Shops To Support This Season

Bilingual books, handcrafted vases and more gift ideas from local immigrant-owned businesses this holiday season.

Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 16, 2025

Siblings Manny and Jade and others smile as they await the fire as Manuel Girón (right), prepares to drop in the devil piñata into the fire pit at Park & Field.

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Top Stories Visuals

A Fiery Fresh Start: Chicagoans Release Negativity with Guatemala’s La Quema Del Diablo

The Guatemalan celebration aims to welcome the new year with a fresh start as Chicagoans symbolically release negativity in a blazing fire pit.

Max HermanDecember 9, 2025

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Visuals

‘It’s a Tradition I Hope Never Dies’: Pilsen Families Honor their Departed Loved Ones

At Día de los Muertos Xicágo, Chicagoans celebrate departed loved ones surrounded by community.

Camilla ForteNovember 1, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Immigration Policy

Mexican American Tattoo Artists Use Their Skills to Fight for Immigrant Rights

While the Trump administration uses tattoos to target and deport Latino immigrants, these artists are tapping into Chicano tattooing’s origins to resist and uplift their community.

Katrina PhamOctober 23, 2025

Javier Ponce (left) and Rodrigo Ponce (right) pose for a portrait at Wilson Skate Park in Uptown as skaters pass by behind them in a blur.

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/Catchlight Local/Report for America

Arts & Culture Immigration Policy Visuals

Boards Across Borders: Two Chicago Brothers’ Love Letter to the Guatemalan Skate Community

Javier and Rodrigo “Booger” Ponce are leveraging their connection to Chicago's skate community to uplift the Guatemalan skateboarding scene.

Camilla ForteOctober 14, 2025

Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/ Catchlight

Arts & Culture

Humboldt Park Celebrates 25th Annual Barrio Arts Festival, Despite Worries of ICE Raids

Chicago’s Puerto Rican community celebrated their heritage with live music and art after officials raised concerns about federal officers surveying the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture last week.

Camilla ForteJuly 14, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Visuals

From Shakira to Don Omar: Borderless Captures Sueños Festival 2025

Sueños Music Festival returned for its 4th year to Grant Park, celebrating Latin culture and music.

Max Herman and Katrina PhamMay 26, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Visuals

Chicago’s Cambodian Heritage Museum Promotes Healing While Remembering Victims of Genocide

The National Cambodian Heritage Museum will host events aiming to cultivate culture and reunite Chicago’s Cambodian American community with its roots.

Samantha MonjeMay 20, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Vietnamese Americans reflect on the Vietnam War 50 years later

Chicago’s Vietnamese refugees and second-generation community members explore the war’s impact and legacy.

Katrina PhamMay 8, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Enforcement and Courts

Little Village Cancels Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade: ‘There is Nothing to Celebrate’

Little Village’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade was cancelled amid fears of ICE raids, organizers said.

Tara MobasherMay 5, 2025

Francia Garcia Hernandez/Block Club Chicago

Arts & Culture

Chicagoans Mourn Pope Francis: ‘The People’s Pope’

Local parishioners and faith and political leaders recalled Pope Francis’ legacy and his “love for the people.”

Francia Garcia Hernandez, Block Club ChicagoApril 22, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Join Borderless Magazine for a House Party at Haymarket House

Support Borderless Magazine’s immigration reporting with drinks, food and live house music at Haymarket House.

Sarah LuyengiMarch 26, 2025

Fatema Hosseini/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

How Chicago’s Immigrant Communities Celebrate Nowruz Away From Home

Spring kicks off the return of Nowruz, a 3,000-year-old celebration that marks the start of the Persian calendar year.

Fatema Hosseini and Tara MobasherMarch 21, 2025

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Palestinian American Playwright Examines Family Dynamics in ‘The Cave’

In her debut play, Sadieh Rifai draws on her family's move from Nevada to Ohio with her Palestinian-American family as they deal with grief, mental illness and global turmoil.

Tara MobasherMarch 13, 2025

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

‘We Need To Be the Allies That We Wish We Had In 1942’

Descendants of Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII gathered to remember the injustices of detention camps while calling for solidarity with other immigrant communities impacted by Trump’s sweeping immigration policies.

Katrina PhamMarch 11, 2025

Arts & Culture

Remembering Tuyet Le, A Champion Of Civil Rights, Community Empowerment — And Laughter

Le helped build Asian American political power and fought for immigrants, refugees and disabled people. She inspired so many people she met — including me.

Mick Dumke Block Club ChicagoFebruary 27, 2025

hundreds fill the streets with confetti in the air and a several people with dragon costumes in the foreground

Photo courtesy of Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation

Arts & Culture

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago

From Chinatown to Asia on Argyle, Borderless compiled a list of celebrations and events for the widely celebrated holiday.

Miguel TsangJanuary 28, 2025

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Visuals

Migrant Children Celebrate Three Kings Day at Museum of Contemporary Art: ‘You’re Always Welcome Here’

More than 30 children gathered at the museum to celebrate the breaking of the Rosca de Reyes.

Tara MobasherJanuary 10, 2025

Saleha Soadat for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Environment and Health Labor and Economics Visuals

Borderless Magazine’s Favorite Stories of 2024

An Afghan refugee seeking his pilot license, backlog and attorney shortages in immigration court, Latino residents pushing for more green space on the Southwest Side and more stories Borderless reported on Chicago’s immigrant communities.

Mauricio PeñaDecember 23, 2024

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

‘It Brings Me Joy’: Hundreds Gather on Horseback to Honor the Virgin of Guadalupe

As part of an annual tradition, faithful followers completed a more than six-mile pilgrimage reaching a shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.

Aydali CampaDecember 12, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Immigration Policy

Looking for Holiday Markets? Here are 8 in Chicago and Nearby Suburbs

Get your Christmas and Hanukkah shopping done in these holiday markets and pop-ups in December.

Samantha MonjeDecember 10, 2024

Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Visuals

‘Good Morning, Manila’ Livestream Raises Money for Filipino Community Center

During the two-hour livestream, Sarahlynn Pablo and her co-hosts discussed Filipino identity, mental health and representation as part of a fundraiser for the Rizal Center.

Katrina PhamDecember 5, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Borderless’ 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Immigrant, Minority-Owned Shops

From handcrafted items to wine, we compiled a list of local Chicago businesses to consider when shopping this holiday season.

Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 4, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Education Immigration Policy

Chicago Parks Offer a Glimpse of Migrant Trails with ‘A Welcoming Place’

After two years of traveling alongside asylum seekers, two photographers share their work to expand conversations on immigration.

Max HermanNovember 15, 2024

Francia Garcia Hernandez/Block Club Chicago

Arts & Culture

Pilsen Woman’s Beloved 16-Foot Ofrenda Returns For Dia De Los Muertos

Isabel Hernandez’s elaborate ofrenda is a tradition going back years. It honors dozens of Pilsen neighbors’ family members and pets who have died.

Francia Garcia Hernandez, Block Club ChicagoNovember 1, 2024

Arts & Culture As Told To

Palestinian American Poet Teaches Cross-stitching to Unite Her Community: ‘Tatreez Is My Culture’

Bayan Fares learned Palestinian cross-stitching when she was 10. Now, she teaches others the traditional form of Palestinian embroidery to preserve this art form amid an ongoing war in her homeland.

Tara MobasherOctober 15, 2024

Photo illustration by Max Herman/Borderless Magazine; screenshot of Hatice Özge Akbudak from video by Tara Mobasher; additional screenshots from Akbudak’s social media.

Arts & Culture

Turkish Influencer Shares Vibrant Culture with Chicago

When much of the world was locked down in early 2020, Hatice Özge Akbudak started documenting her journey in America. Now, she has a dedicated following as she elevates her culture and explores Chicago.

Tara MobasherOctober 8, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture As Told To

From the Garage to the Drive-in: Preserving Lowrider Culture in Chicago

Pedro Cisneros didn’t expect to start a lowrider club when he left Texas. That changed when Chicago became his home.

Max HermanOctober 3, 2024

Photo courtesy of Laleh Motlagh

Arts & Culture

Chicago-Based Iranian Artist Explores Confinement with the Help of Her House Plants

Laleh Motlagh describes how she discovered art, women's rights in Iran, and her latest exhibit, "Entanglement."

Tara MobasherSeptember 5, 2024

Max Herman/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Labor and Economics

The Faces of Immigrant-Owned Small Businesses in Chicago

Jonathan Castillo’s photography breaks stereotypes and honors immigrant-owned businesses in Chicago and nearby suburbs.

Max HermanAugust 13, 2024

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Education

ICYMI: Borderless Magazine’s feature stories all in one place [May 2024]

Navigating immigration court alone, a refugee’s escape from Afghanistan and more immigrant stories from Chicago.

Borderless Magazine StaffMay 31, 2024

Jamilla Yipp Photography

Arts & Culture

This Chicago Author Wants You to Know that Immigrant Voices Matter

Borderless’ new book club features Chicago author Mia P. Manansala and her cozy mystery book series that centers on the Filipino community.

Sarah LuyengiMay 22, 2024

Arts & Culture

We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century

Journalist Ray Suarez examines immigration policies in the United States while chronicling the lives of new immigrants across the country in his latest book.

Borderless Magazine Staff and Ray SuarezMay 6, 2024

Jack X. Li for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Organizing Visuals

The Revival of Chicago’s Filipino American Rizal Center

After a protracted legal battle over the building's ownership, Filipino immigrants and Filipino Americans have banded together to restore a community center to its former glory.

Katrina PhamApril 8, 2024

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Education

Harmony in Hardship: Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Refugees Bring Immigrant Stories to Life with Music

For one night, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Refugee Coalition turned inspirational immigrant stories into a musical journey to bring awareness of the current migrant crisis.

Chelsea VerstegenApril 1, 2024

Diane Bou Khalil/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

How a Chicago Nonprofit Creates Community To Empower Middle Eastern and Arab Women

The Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (MIRA) launched a women's empowerment group last fall to foster community and teach essential life skills.

Diane Bou KhalilMarch 15, 2024

Photo by Chris Popio

Arts & Culture

Trap Door Theatre brings European plays to the heart of Chicago

The avant-garde theatre has spent 30 years showcasing international productions that otherwise might not be seen in the U.S. Founder Beata Pilch tells Borderless why.

Chelsea VerstegenOctober 24, 2023

Mustafa Hussain for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Little Amal Comes to Chicago With a Message of Hope for Refugees

The 12-foot-tall puppet tells the story of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee separated from her family.

Diane Bou KhalilOctober 6, 2023

Efrain Soriano/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Pushing Boundaries: How a Pakistani African American Drag King Burst into Chicago’s Drag Scene

D’Cameron May stepped onto the drag stage four years ago. Now, they have a home among Chicago’s queer immigrant scene.

Katrina PhamSeptember 19, 2023

Efrain Soriano/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

How Chicago’s All-Women Mariachi Group Is Embracing Their Roots — And Bucking Tradition

Despite lukewarm feelings about the genre as a child, Mariachi Sirenas cofounder Ibet Herrera helped form Chicago’s first all-women mariachi band. The group has fostered a sisterhood of talented musicians while honoring their roots.

Maia McDonaldAugust 22, 2023

Efrain Soriano/Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

South Asia Institute Holds Its First Desi Queer Open Mic Night

Organizers say the event was a first for the institute, but hope it will promote more inclusivity while celebrating Desi queer stories and creativity.

Efrain SorianoJuly 3, 2023

Photo by Lori Barra

Arts & Culture

Novelist Isabel Allende on ‘The Wind Knows My Name’

The best-selling Chilean author talks about her new book and the importance of telling immigration stories.

Claudia HernándezJune 23, 2023

Image courtesy of Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, April 13 – 19

Attend the Chicago Latino Film Festival, learn how to renew your Medicaid benefits or buy art made by immigrants and asylum seekers.

Borderless Magazine StaffApril 13, 2023

Samer Almadani for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture

Chicago Rapper Shouly Explores His ‘Double Identity’ and Challenges Arab Stereotypes

The Palestinian-Jordanian hip-hop artist talks about identity as inspiration, his growth since his debut album and what’s next.

Diane Bou KhalilApril 6, 2023

Oscar B. Castillo for BordersCruzadas Exhibition, 2023

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, April 6 – 12

Learn about anti-gentrification architecture, celebrate Khmer new year, share a grand iftar or preview visual installations recreating the U.S. southern border.

Borderless Magazine StaffApril 5, 2023

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, March 30 – April 5

Meet Latinos in leadership, join Chicago’s “illest take on suhoor,” get accepted to an HBCU, or learn about the Newberry’s Spanish-language children’s books.

Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 29, 2023

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, March 23 – 29

Hear from a panel of powerful Chicago women, explore ideas of identity with a Chinese American artist or discuss the depiction of young Black and Brown men in the media.

Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 22, 2023

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, March 16 – 22

Sip and shop with the Haitian American Museum, sample some Chicago restaurant bites while raising funds for earthquake relief, or hear from some Chicago authors.

Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 15, 2023

Arts & Culture

Novel ‘Kaikeyi’ Challenges Depiction of Women in Hindu Epic

Chicago author Vaishnavi Patel on her debut novel “Kaikeyi,” her Hindu identity and publishers pulling her book in India.

Mrinali DhemblaMarch 8, 2023

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, March 9-15

See the works of Puerto Rican artists, learn how you can use the Freedom of Information Act, or discuss the ethics of global storytelling.

Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 8, 2023

"Layalina" "Get $25 tickets using code Borderless though 3/12"

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, March 2 – 8

Eat some gourmet Chicago bites, see some Ukrainian art or check out a Boricua take on a TED Talk.

Borderless Magazine StaffMarch 1, 2023

"The untold story of RMS Titanic's Chinese survivors" "from executive producer James Cameron""www.thesixdocumentary.com"

LostPensivos Films

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Feb. 23 – March 1

Learn what became of the Chinese survivors of the Titanic, create original music and dance inspired by Latino Chicago or see Ecuador’s Best International Feature.

Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 23, 2023

"Chicago Language Cafe" written over a red image of people sitting and talking around tables

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Feb. 16 – 22

Strengthen your foreign language skills, get some inspiration from a winter art show or mix business and pleasure with a forum and gala.

Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 15, 2023

ten people stand outside o the sidewalk in various types of shirts and hoodies

Photo by William “The KiD” Guerrero

Arts & Culture

A Chicago Mural Project Becomes a Nationwide Movement

The Mural Movement started as a beautification project but has grown to provide solace and support for community members — generational or recently arrived.

Martha ContrerasFebruary 9, 2023

The words "Crazy in Love" and "GPLXC" on a blue and pink background with hearts

Gage Park Latinx Council

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Feb. 9 – Feb. 15

Create a personalized candle, run a 5k or take in a winter concert.

Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 8, 2023

Omar Offendum wearing a jean button up, hoodie and winter coat outside in front of a mural

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Feb. 2 – Feb. 8

Hear about a new children’s book for Arab and Muslim families, learn to play Korean games, create your own zine or listen to a Syrian American poet and hip-hop artist.

Borderless Magazine StaffFebruary 2, 2023

Photo courtesy of Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Jan. 26 – Feb. 1

Listen to a night of jazz and Arabic music, a night of Latin alternative music or see a Lunar New Year parade.

Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 25, 2023

Erika Sanchez wearing red lipstick and a red top, blue background

Photo by Adriana Diaz

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Jan. 19 – Jan. 25

See some South Asian art, dress up for a good cause or hear a poetry reading from a Chicago author.

Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 17, 2023

"Bald Sisters," photo by Michael Brosilow

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Jan. 12 – Jan. 18

Watch a world premiere play about a Cambodian family, view a traveling exhibit on Indigenous women or see a dance recital celebrating Mexican heritage.

Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 12, 2023

A woman with a green jacket and a butterfly is dancing

Illustration by Anna Mielniczuk for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture Immigration Policy

Borderless Magazine’s Favorite Photos and Illustrations of 2022

From fleeing Afghanistan to starting a sanctuary movement, Borderless Magazine’s visual journalists continued to amplify the stories of people from Chicago’s immigrant communities.

Michelle KanaarJanuary 5, 2023

foliage, flowers, and bright colors with grid background

Arts & Culture

Things To Do In Chicago, Jan. 5 – Jan. 11

Discover what inspires a Puerto Rican artist, learn more about the works of a Chinese-American composer, or listen to the sounds of Turkish music from two Chicago ensembles.

Borderless Magazine StaffJanuary 4, 2023

"La Posada" written in gold on a red background

Arts & Culture

Things to Do in Chicago, Dec. 22 – Jan. 4

Have some laughs at a comedy show, find some inspiration in art or get ready for camp!

Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 21, 2022

a woman on the sand and a black dress with a Ukrainian flag draped over her head and flowing in the wind

Ira Lupu

Arts & Culture

Four Things to Do in Chicago, Dec. 14 – 21

Learn from photojournalists on the frontlines, celebrate Las Posadas, see an exhibit on Iranian protesters or listen to Filipino American musicians.

Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 13, 2022

Arts & Culture

Three Things to Do in Chicago, Dec. 8 – 14

Enjoy an evening of violin music at the National Indo-American Museum, get your holiday shopping done at a Ukrainian maker’s market, and more.

Borderless Magazine StaffDecember 6, 2022

80's artists like: Flans, Timbiriche, Lucia Mendez, Locomia on a blue tv with a pink and blue fluorescent background

Arts & Culture

Three Things to Do in Chicago, Dec. 1- 7

Learn a new Bollywood hip-hop dance routine, dance the night away to 80s retro music or take a class about the history of the Greek-Turkish conflict.

Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 30, 2022

Instiuto Grafico de Chicago presents (presenta) Grabadolandia print festival (festival de grabado) free family friendly event (evento familiar gratuito) national museum of mexican art 1852 west 19th street Chicago IL 60608 nov 18/19/20 2022 12pm-5pm

Arts & Culture

Three Things to Do in Chicago, Nov. 17- 23

Learn what can be done about youth incarceration, listen to a Syrian musician, or lead social change through printmaking.

Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 16, 2022

Photo courtesy of Javier Zamora

Arts & Culture

‘Solito’ by Javier Zamora: An Excerpt from the Best-Selling Memoir

Poet Javier Zamora took a three-thousand mile journey from El Salvador to the United States as a boy to reunite with his parents.

Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 3, 2022

"so you want to be an editor: a workshop for journalists looking to make the leap. Thursday November 3rd from 6 to 8 pm at City Bureau"

Arts & Culture

Three Things to Do in Chicago, Nov. 3 – 9

Hone your editing edge, croon for a cause, or take in a mini documentary festival!

Borderless Magazine StaffNovember 2, 2022

Max Herman for Borderless Magazine

Arts & Culture As Told To

Artist Remembers Migrants Who Died on Their Journey North

Arizona artist Alvaro Enciso has spent years of his life leaving crosses in the desert for migrants who died while traveling to the United States.

Max HermanOctober 27, 2022

Dia de los Muertos ofrenda with photos, cameras, candles, conchas, flags, and sugar skulls

Photo by Michelle Kanaar

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Oct. 27 – Nov. 2

Learn about the power of pardons in stopping deportations, take time to remember a loved one or help beautify a beach.

Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 27, 2022

"20th annual Pilsen Open Studios OCt. 22 and 23rd. 2022/12-8pm" an illustration of 18th street and figure with paintbrushes and a bandana.

Illustration by Chema Skandal

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Oct. 20 – Oct. 26

Commune with local artists, learn some cross-cultural history and politics or celebrate loved ones passed.

Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 20, 2022

a girl holds up a sign in Korean and a man points to it

Lotte Entertainment

Arts & Culture

Four Things To Do In Chicago, Oct. 13 – Oct. 19

Celebrate diversity and build community with film screenings, book launches, author talks and art workshops!

Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 13, 2022

a baby in a crib with hands reaching for it

XYZ Films

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Oct. 6 – Oct. 12

Celebrate diversity and build community with music that bridges continents, global films and food!

Borderless Magazine StaffOctober 6, 2022

Photo by Adriana Diaz

Arts & Culture

Chicago Writer Erika L. Sánchez Gets Personal in New Memoir

The DePaul University professor and daughter of Mexican immigrants talks about mental health and healing through writing.

Jillian MeleroOctober 6, 2022

oil painting of. man with a flower coming out of his mouth surrounded by women

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Sept. 29 – Oct. 5

Celebrate diversity and build community with personal storytelling, world music and fine art.

Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 29, 2022

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Sept. 22-Sept. 28

Celebrate diversity and community through literature, language, music and fine art.

Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 22, 2022

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Sept. 15-Sept. 21

Celebrating diversity and unity, and aiding those in need, here are three cultural events in and around Chicago.

Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 15, 2022

Poster by RTST Designs

Arts & Culture

Five Things To Do In Chicago, Sept. 8-Sept. 14

Dinner, desserts, dancing and more! Here are five cultural events in and around Chicago this weekend.

Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 8, 2022

ZINEmercado 2022 "all welcome" "todos bienvenidos" "free" two cats reading a zine

Art: AUSTRA @austyuniverse / zine CH

Arts & Culture

Five Things To Do In Chicago, Sept. 1-Sept. 7

Check out two cultural festivals, a Lucha Libre wrestling event and get to know local artists at ZINEmercado!

Borderless Magazine StaffSeptember 1, 2022

Viet Thanh Nguyen in Ha Long Bay on a red boat wearing a blue hat

Photo courtesy of Viet Thanh Nguyen

Arts & Culture

Author Viet Thanh Nguyen on Being a Refugee and Storyteller

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Sympathizer” will receive an award from the American Writers Museum in Chicago this month.

Diane Bou KhalilAugust 30, 2022

"West Chicago Food Festival Saturday Aug. 27 4-8 pm"

Arts & Culture

Four Things To Do in Chicago, Aug. 25-Aug. 31

Check out a West Chicago food festival, free Southeast side documentary screening and more!

Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 25, 2022

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do in Chicago, Aug. 18-Aug. 24

Check out a thrifting mercado, poetry performance and other local Chicago events!

Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 18, 2022

Teta Cepeda Puerto Rico's legendary dancer and folklorist

Arts & Culture

Three Things To Do In Chicago, Aug. 11-Aug. 17

Check out The Monarch Festival in Glendale Heights, a free Bomba performance and more local events!

Borderless Magazine StaffAugust 11, 2022