alt_ is a contagious, artist-led engine (501c3) that undertakes tangible acts of service, using art and faith as tools to galvanize impassioned, self-sufficient communities to join in, at a time when past and present injustices spur us to collectively imagine our best future.
A collaboration between Jon Veal and Jordan Campbell, Alt Space Chicago (abbreviated alt_) was created in response to the trauma of the Black community and the belief that art could be used as a tool for healing. Campbell’s family history of community stewardship + entrepreneurship and Veal’s lifelong passion for art merged to positively disrupt their communities through tangible acts of service. Sharing the mutual motivators of family, community, change and servanthood, Veal and Campbell moved forward to create alt_.
Since its inception, alt_ has expanded into an artist-led, Chicago-based cultural non-profit that is dedicated to revitalization + service + empowerment through art, faith, and community. alt_ provides an alternative to the dominant cultural narrative, manifesting new opportunities on the South and West Sides of Chicago.
No longer satisfied with the way things have always been done, alt_ is a swift deviation from the norm, a rallying cry for change. The name alt_ posits that there are different — alternative — ways of improving our world and ways of doing: alternative powers of structure, alternative ways of thinking, alternative ways to cultivate culture + community + connection.
To extend this metaphor, the ALT key is used to change the function of other pressed keys. In other words, alt space has no function on its own; it must always work in concert with others to effect change. The outcome of using the ALT key in conjunction with another key is a wholly new outcome.
The underscore after alt [ _ ] is a stand-in for the space where this change is happening: in our city, in our neighborhoods and in our minds.
SERVICES WE OFFER: art education, art creation, art installation, art collaboration, mentorship, job training, technical training, communal space.
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Jordan Campbell is documentary photographer and arts educator whose social practice is rooted in advocacy for political and economic transformation within marginalized communities. Through his teaching artist roles and community activism, Campbell created a pedagogy of reform based in artistic expression. As a teacher at Austin Career Academy in Chicago, Campbell used his camera as a tool to give voice to people in need.
Campbell served as a member of The Chicago Avenue Corridor Improvement Study Team in partnership with Lamar Johnson Collaborative and CDOT, was named one of 40 Gamechangers under 40 in 2022 amongst other Chicago Black professionals who are excelling in their field, is a 2022 Chicago Bulls MLK Honoree and most recently was named as a Leader for A New Chicago by The Field Foundation in 2024.
Jordan Co-Founded the Redemptive Plastics program and continues to execute its mission to redeem plastic alongside community members. He possesses a unique style of exuberance and you will hardly find him saying no or thinking something cannot be done. His passion is infinitely aimed at what IS possible and he believes wholeheartedly in collaboration and experiencing milestones of growth and movement with his community, colleagues and everyone he meets.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys frequenting art galleries, reading, cooking for friends and family, running, painting and unicycling.
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Tyler Morgan is a multidisciplinary designer whose work translates community, culture, and history into immersive design experiences. Her practice explores the dialogue between past, present, and future, drawing inspiration from nostalgia, architecture, and cultural memory to shape a distinct and thoughtful design language.
A strong example of this approach is her 02 design series, constructed and designed entirely by Tyler. The collection moves beyond traditional product design, presenting sleek, intentional forms layered with story. Each piece reflects careful consideration of material, structure, and meaning, inviting people into an experience that feels both familiar and forward-looking.
Tyler’s work is deeply community oriented, grounding design in cultural references and architectural forms that resonate across generations. She consistently leads projects from concept to execution with clarity, originality, and purpose.
Tyler is also graciously collaborating with Alt Space Chicago, helping develop and refine the organization’s voice while bringing the perspective of an established designer to the team. Her presence strengthens Alt Space’s commitment to shaping environments where art, culture, and community meet through thoughtful design.
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Kennedy is a well rounded communicator who is family oriented and deeply community driven. With a background in political science and marketing, she has worked with organizations across the country, strengthening her path as a thoughtful and effective storyteller.
Rooted in the Austin community of Chicago, Kennedy brings both local insight and national experience to her work. She is also the cousin of Alt Space Chicago’s late Co-Founder, Jon Veal, and continues to honor and carry forward his legacy through her contributions to the organization.
Through her role in communications, Kennedy helps shape and amplify the voice of Alt Space Chicago, ensuring its message around art, faith, and community reaches people with clarity, care, and purpose.
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With 7 years of experience in the construction industry, Nick has a proven track record of managing subcontractors and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. He is passionate about collaboration and teamwork to address complex issues and meet community and client needs.
Before joining alt_, Nick held Project Engineer and Cost Analyst roles at Turner Construction Company, completing projects such as the innovative David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is OSHA Certified. He is knowledgeable in the use of Autodesk programs (such as AutoCAD, BIM 360 Glue, Navisworks).
Outside of work, Nick enjoys film photography, playing guitar, rollerskating with friends and reading James Baldwin novels.
2025 Governing Board
CC Mercer Watson
Grace Elizabeth Oxley
Krisann Rehbein
Joi Freeman
Chris Paicely
2025 Advisory Board
Nae'Keisha Jones
Joseph Veal
Norman Teague
Tanner Woodford
Maurice Reed