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.


  • See New Schedule! Exhibit Extended Through May 16th!

    See New Schedule! Exhibit Extended Through May 16th!

    The Butterfly Effect: Across Land, Generations, & Time Exhibit Extended through Saturday May 16th!Gallery Hours Wednesday–Thursday 12pm–6pm Pilsen Arts & Community House 1637 W. 18th Street, Chicago  See Schedule above: Closing event added on May 16th too! Thu APRIL 16th – 7P–9POpen Mic!Theme: Immigration Thu APRIL 23rd – 8P–10PShow & Tell Vol. 2!Immigration Stories Sun APRIL 26th – 6P–9PIn…

  • April 2026 Schedule for Exhibit at Pilsen Arts & Community House!

    April 2026 Schedule for Exhibit at Pilsen Arts & Community House!

    Schedule Thu APRIL 2nd – 6P–9P9Opening Ceremony Sat APRIL 4th – 3P–6PTaking Flight! Screening + Performances Thu APRIL 16th – 7P–9POpen Mic! Theme: Immigration Thu APRIL 23rd – 8P–10PShow & Tell Vol. 2!Immigration Stories Sun APRIL 26th – 6P–9PClosing Ceremony!featuring Screenings + Performances

  • Take Flight! An Afternoon of Perfomance + Screening | Saturday April 4th

    Take Flight! An Afternoon of Perfomance + Screening | Saturday April 4th

    Alright alright alright!!! Let’s keep opening week vibes going on April 4th as we TAKE FLIGHT!! Join us for an afternoon of film screenings, poetry, and music – featuring artists from our exhibit!! Taking Flight! Pilsen Arts Community House 1637 W 18th St April 4th | 3pm-6pm FREEEEE ___ Program ___ Butterfly Effect Project@the__butterflyeffect_projectbutterflyeffect.anysquared.org AnySquared@ne2_gallerysquaredanysquared.org…