Why do artists and arts organizations have a fragile grip on future existence? Artists are passionate about making art with total involvement. Artists need to shake the stereotype of starving artist and negotiate better contracts for their creative services. Artists play a significant role in school reform and freelance services in design production and technology. NNWAC works to develop a neighborhood infrastructure. Research includes:

o Feasibility Study for Artist Housing in Chicago 1992

o Business of Art Space Study 1995

o Illinois Arts Alliance partnership to produce Working Together, a neighborhood economic impact study

o Cooperative Marketing Strategy West Town/Humboldt Park 2000

NNWAC works with the Chicago Center for Arts Policy at Columbia College to address broader issues of cultural planning, and often unwritten policy issues that impact neighborhood arts. NNWAC is an active member of NAAO, the National Association of Artists Organizations, ArtsWire, an electronic arts network and founding member of the Humboldt Park Economic Development Corporation.