CITY OF CHICAGO LAUNCHES 2012 CULTURAL PLAN INITIATIVE
Public Town Hall Meetings Begin Tonight!
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is asking residents, cultural organizations and community groups for their input in developing the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. The plan will deliver a set of recommendations to support the arts and artists throughout the city, as well as enhance economic growth and Chicago’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
The last cultural plan was developed in 1986 under Mayor Harold Washington. Since that time, advancements have been made in many areas leading to greater involvement from vested interests.
Ideas that sprang from that plan include the renovation of Navy Pier, the redeveloped Theater Row in Chicago’s “Loop” and the creation of incentives for film projects.
Financially, Chicago has the third largest creative economy in the U.S., with 24,000 arts enterprises, including nearly 650 non-profit arts organizations, generating more than $2 billion annually and employing 150,000 people. Chicago’s creative vibrancy creates jobs, attracts new businesses and tourists, and improves neighborhood vibrancy and quality of life.
Town Halls kick off tonight:
Wednesday, February 15: Columbia College from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 16: Nicholas Senn High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 18: DuSable Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21: National Museum of Mexican Art from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Registration is free, but space is limited. Click here to register!
Below, a video recap from one of the hottest visual arts exhibitions in Chicago last year (in my humble opinion), local artist Hebru Brantley’s Yesterday’s Losers. A strong Cultural Plan needs to be in place to help support our artists of all stripes, from all parts of the city, and to make arts and cultural experiences as accessible in the City of Chicago as a bag of Flaming Hot Chips (yes. I said it).
