Produced by the Public Media Institute, a non profit 501 3c corporation, Version is an annual springtime convergence that brings together over 400 artists, musicians, and educators from around the world to present some of the most challenging ideas and progressive art projects of our day. The eighteen day festival showcases emerging trends in art, technology and music and has earned critical accolades here in Chicago and abroad.

The hybrid art festival / art fair brings together individuals, groups and networks that utilize visual and conceptual art strategies, innovative social practices, public art projects, and new music to push the counter cultures forwards.

Version festival presents a diverse program of activities featuring an art exposition/art fair, multiple art exhibitions, urban events, film screenings, interactive technologies, performances, street art, presentations, talks, workshops, and art rendezvous and action.
It coincides with Chicago's Art Chicago weekend and is known as the artists' art fair. Over 5,000 people were in attendance last year to experience the diverse programming encouraging crossover between art disciplines and practices.

Alternative spaces open for staging actions. Public spaces and corporate places become terrains of intervention.

If you would like to participate in this year's festival please navigate this site and view this year's theme. Then check out our Exhibition and Programs area and when you are ready you can make an online submission.

Version is an artist organized festival run mostly on volunteers. If you would like to join us please sign up here.

Press inquiries should be made to

Our address is:
Version>07
960 W 31st St
Chicago Il 60608
773.837.0145

Past festival sites:
Version>06
Version>05
Version>04
Version>03
Version>02

Version is the sister festival to Select Media festival.