The Arts stories

• Obama Picks
• Barack Obama

From books and movies to music, explore the stories and art that inspired President Obama in 2024.

• Alumni
• Stories

Explore the world of three Obama alumni harnessing the power of art to inspire action in their communities

• First Look
• Building the Center

Discover over 20 art installations that will stimulate creativity and inspire people to bring change home.

• Building the Center
• First Look

Julie Mehretu's 83-foot-high installation is inspired by President Obama’s remarks at the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery.

• Programs
• Equality

The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.

• Programs
• Equality

The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.

• Obama Picks
• Barack Obama

Check out President Obama’s summer list of top picks: books and music.

• Watch
• Equality

Take a look at how President Obama honored this chapter of American history.

• Presidential History
• Alumni

Meet the minds behind the design, voice, and digital strategy for the Obama campaign and White House.

• Youth
• Futures Series

See how the students explored expression and possibilities at EXPO Chicago.

• Leaders
• Chicago

Ahead of her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, hear how one Obama Leader leverages the power of music to educate, entertain, and heal her community.

• Youth
• MBK Alliance

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance released a Black History Month reading list for young leaders

• Obama Picks
• Barack Obama

• First Look
• Chicago

Artist Brandon Breaux and Dyett High School students showcase the power of culture and community.

• MBK Alliance
• Youth

Learn more about Nathan, his experience at Guitars Over Guns, and his plans for the future.

• Youth
• Chicago

Young Chicagoan Raven Smith created the t-shirt company Straight From The GO – All Good Things From ChicaGO to dispel negative perceptions about violence in Chicago

• Stories
• Programs

As we reflect on this year, we couldn’t be more proud of the work of our global network of leaders who are tackling some of the most vital issues of our time and working together to strengthen their communities and our institutions.

• Watch
• Presidential History

Gathered together in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden presented the official portraits of President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, painted by Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung, respectively.

• Alumni
• The Obama Administration

This Obama alum is using stories from our past to help communities move forward today.

• Building the Center
• In-depth

World-renowned sculptor and artist Richard Hunt was born and raised in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.

• Presidential History
• Chicago

Sometimes history is shaped not by the famous figures in front of the camera, but by someone behind it.

• Building the Center
• Chicago

Revisit the highlights from our work in 2021, which included breaking ground on the Obama Presidential Center, recognizing important milestones from President and Mrs. Obama’s time in office, empowering and connecting leaders around the world, and more.

• Chicago
• Equality

As a visual artist in Chicago’s vibrant art community, Pooja Pittie is on a life-long journey to accept the unexpected obstacles in her life, while advocating for better representation and support for artists with disabilities.

• Watch
• Building the Center

Watch talented Chicago poet Leslé Honoré recite "Bridges," a poem inspired by the powerful speech President Obama delivered on the 50th anniversary of the marches from Montgomery to Selma. An excerpt from the speech will appear on the exterior of the Obama

• Watch
• Barack Obama

Artists Kehinde Wiley of Brooklyn, New York, and Amy Sherald of Baltimore, Maryland, were selected to paint President Obama and Mrs. Obama respectively

• Presidential History
• Watch

During their eight years in office, President and Mrs. Obama recognized and embraced the power of art.

• Chicago
• Changemakers

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it’s disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light.

• Watch
• Chicago

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Will Calloway became all too familiar with the disinvestment and systemic discrimination that create the conditions for gun violence to surface. 

• Watch
• Health & Wellbeing

Discover how Christopher LeMark uses coffee and Hip-Hop to help heal communities-–and how you can get involved!

• Chicago
• Changemakers

When we wanted to lift up the stories of Antonio Davis, Asiaha Butler, and Kemdah Stroud—three grassroots leaders working on the South Side of Chicago to make a difference—we turned to Chicago-based artist and photographer Tyesha Moores.

• Watch
• Chicago

Activist and violence interrupter William Calloway grew up in South Shore, the same Chicago neighborhood where Michelle Obama was born and raised, and the future home of the Obama Presidential Center. See how Will is protecting his community while challeng

• MBK Alliance
• Changemakers

Meet Leo Mercer! Leo is an artist and community organizer, born and raised in Oakland, California.

• MBK Alliance
• Event

• Michelle Obama
• Obama Picks

Now you can make the former first lady’s holiday favorite at home!

• Chicago
• Community Engagement

From attending crucial city council meetings to sharing their hopes for their communities at events and dinners across the city, our neighbors are helping us bring the Obama Presidential Center and our work in Chicago to life.

• Stories
• Programs

When we look back at 2018, we see all of you: emerging leaders who are embarking on journeys of change throughout the world