Unifying stories across generations, land, & time

The Butterfly Effect Project (BEP) celebrates the unity of immigration and migration stories. In a time where communities are pulled towards division, BEP aims to unearth the roots that connect us all. Creating an interdisciplinary experience will weave together a series of unique personal histories and stories to create a tapestry showcasing the shared way humans move and adapt all over the world, recognizing and respecting that our work exists on indigenous land.

Immigration and migration stories are known and shared by people across every border and every generation. Ambition, perseverance, and love are all common foundations from which families build a safer, more prosperous home for their children and following generations. This country stands on a dual-edged sword: barring rights to the pursuit of happiness, and systems of capitalist meritocracy. It is evident this prioritizes a select few to experience this kind of joy. The current administration silences and villainizes our collective ambition to cultivate a welcoming world which looks after each of its community members with tenderness and strength. The BEP intends to rise in defiance and hope, unifying the voices of people of all backgrounds by showcasing stories of change and connection through the lens of immigration.

The BEP seeks to illuminate universal threads of intention, evolution, and survival, revealing the connection of stories shared by cultures and communities all over the world. Beneath cultural and racial differences, the same longing for love, growth, and opportunity drives humanity to new places.

Artists of all backgrounds are invited to share personal or communal stories of immigration and movement, including journeys of those who have needed to move due to environmental factors or loss of land. An interactive map that traces people’s physical journeys will showcase unity amongst marginalized communities. The BEP will consist of traveling visual art exhibits, performances, poetry slams, workshops, and immersive galleries. Unifying themes of change, connection, and community will layer individual narratives into a portrait of global migration.

The BEP’s mission is vital to the community for the purpose of showcasing stories of connection and change across race, generations, land, and time. The BEP encourages artists and non-artists to share their stories through a variety of mediums in order to reconnect with their roots, learn from one another, and write the next chapter of the community’s collective story.

Throughout 2026, the Butterfly Effect Project series will consist of traveling visual art exhibits/immersive galleries, performances, show-and-tells, and workshops.

The Butterfly Effect Project is volunteer-run and associated with AnySquared, a nonprofit.


  • 3rd Call For Artists for new June/July 2026 Butterfly Effect exhibition at Chicago Art Department.

    3rd Call For Artists for new June/July 2026 Butterfly Effect exhibition at Chicago Art Department.

    Artists of all backgrounds are invited to share personal or communal stories of immigration and movement. This exhibit will highlight journeys of those who have needed to move due to environmental factors, loss of land, or U.S. global policies. Accepting Submissions: visual art, painting, photography, sculpture, animated media, graphics, sound, music, poetry, short writing, video…

  • April 23rd | Show & Tell: Immigrant Stories Vol. II

    April 23rd | Show & Tell: Immigrant Stories Vol. II

    Join the Butterfly Effect Project for another round! This time, everyone gets to share!Show & Tell: Immigrant Stories Vol. IIThursday April 23rd8pm–10pmPilsen Arts & Community House1637 West 18th Street, Chicago Bring in any object/photo that represents a part of your journey of movement:What brings you A) to this country? and/or B) what brings you to…

  • April 16th | Join us at Butterfly Effect for an Open Mic at PACH!

    April 16th | Join us at Butterfly Effect for an Open Mic at PACH!

    Don’t forget Open Mic! This THURSDAY APRIL 16th.Pilsen Arts & Community House does this Every 3rd Thursday of the month! WHEN: APRIL 16thTIME: 7 pm – 9 pmWHERE: 1637 W. 18th St. Chicago, IL, 60608 This month is hosted by @tandapoetry! April is also in collaboration with Butterfly Effect Exhibit! This event is FREE and…