Support the next 40 years

For 40 years, ESS has been a home for experimental art. 5,000+ artists have come through our doors to take risks and make new work. Now through Oct 30, we’re asking the community to come together to continue investing in the idea that experimental art – art at the front line of defining what comes next – is worth sustaining a home for. Goal: Raise $20,000 to unlock an additional $20,000 in matching donations.

Close the Loop

We are a community supported non-profit dedicated to the curation, evolution, and exploration of sound.

For 40 years Experimental Sound Studio has nurtured avant-garde and exploratory artists through production, presentation, education, and preservation.

Exploding Star Orchestra at Adler Planetarium

Join our ESS community: give support and get support for the exploration of sound.

Your involvement ensures that we can remain nimble in our day-to-day support of artists, acting as a resource for local and international artists. Joining 250+ of your peers as a supporter is the best way to help ESS and our community thrive!

Get Plugged-in

Events

Last year we presented 337 artists in 81 different programs in-person throughout Chicago and online.

Explore events

Join our ESS community: give support and get support for the exploration of sound.

Get Plugged-in

Full-Service Recording Studio

ESS offers comprehensive production facilities and expert support for nearly 150 artists per year in over 300 sessions.

Work with us on your next project

Join the Feed Back Loop

Support ESS as we embark on the coming year and join the hundreds of folks who have chosen to be part of the aggregate force that makes experimental culture possible.

Donate