A billboard campaign by Chatham artist Isiah “ThoughtPoet” Veney was taken down earlier than he expected, after what the marketing agency involved described as a miscommunication. The billboard, which went up in mid-December at 87th Street and Avalon, featured art designed by Rooster Green that combined photography and poetry to highlight local artists and organizers.
Veney paid $500 for the placement, believing it would remain on display for two months. However, he discovered Wednesday morning that his work had been replaced with an advertisement for the upcoming film “Goat.” Veney said he was not notified about the change.
“This is messed up,” Veney said. “They could’ve said something.”
Sinatris Jackson, founder of Kreative Mindz—the agency that worked with Veney—said initial discussions were for a two-month campaign but confirmed that Veney ultimately paid for four weeks. Jackson coordinated the billboard’s placement through Clear Channel Outdoor.
“Lil Chico From Tuley Park, The Road to Burnside” went up December 17 and was removed in mid-January when the four-week contract ended, according to Jackson. He apologized to Veney for not communicating more clearly about when the billboard would be taken down.
Jason King, spokesperson for Clear Channel Outdoor, stated: “Veney’s billboard campaign was ‘contracted for only four weeks, typical of ad campaigns on that display, and ended per the contract several days ago.’ Following the campaign’s completed ad flight, a new advertiser was contracted on that display to commence following the conclusion of [Veney’s] campaign.” King declined to provide details of the contract due to company policy.
Jackson called what happened a “mixup and miscommunication,” adding: “At the end of the day, he’s doing something amazing and he came out of his pocket to do it. That’s a talented brother and I have love for what he’s doing in the community. I want to do everything I can to help as he shines a light on positive messages in Chicago.”
The project honored Veney’s roots in Chatham. Its title combines his childhood nickname with Tuley Park—a familiar location from his youth—and pays tribute to local artists including Monty Psychs, Zacharyiah TBM, Eastside TBJ, Roostar Green, Nita’s Love Train, ChèriSoul, Solarfive and Hittz.
Veney described Chicago as “a mecca of creation” and compared journeying through Chatham to scenes from “The Wiz,” where one meets different people and learns along the way. He does not plan to try replacing the billboard but hopes instead to open a gallery show later this year featuring work from this project along with screening a short film about his community.
Community members interested in learning more can visit Veney’s website or search Instagram using #LilChicoFromTuleyPark.
