Buddy is a store in the Chicago Cultural Center in downtown Chicago with the mission of supporting and showcasing local artists, makers, and small businesses. Its nearly 2500 square foot retail space features 300+ artists at any moment including prints, photos, art objects, functional art, textiles, publications, music, jewelry, care products, toys, and much more. Buddy is a program of Public Media Institute, a Bridgeport-based non-profit that has been supporting Chicago artists for over 30 years.

On November 16, the Walker Art Center will launch Idea House 3, a new retail platform within the institution that will feature the work of an international cadre of leading and emerging designers and celebrate design experimentation and innovation. The new 1500 square foot collectible design store will be organized to suggest the different rooms of a home, with handpicked furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, and a wide array of design objects presented to capture how one might live with the works on view.