CHICAGO, IL- October 24, 2012— A new partnership announced by the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) will give local organizations, academic institutions, and individuals the opportunity to host their free public program at the Chicago Cultural Center.
The Collaborative City, the IHC’s new partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), invites organizations and individuals to apply to host their free public programs at the center, welcoming programs ranging from documentary film screenings and discussions, panel presentations, readings and lectures by scholars, artistic performances and other formats at the iconic Chicago Cultural Center.
With the recently released Chicago Cultural Plan, in which one of the initiatives is to improve the use of existing cultural spaces to enhance cultural participation, this new partnership will support the continued revitalization of the Chicago Cultural Center and allow it to become a centralized cultural hub that links diverse neighborhoods to each other and to downtown.
“With these events, we hope to create stimulating conversations and critical reflections about issues and ideas from diverse perspectives.” mentioned Geoffrey Banks, Program Director for the IHC, “We’re seeking public events that inspire, promote, and elevate the public conversation.”
The IHC currently holds monthly “Café Society” facilitated discussions at the Chicago Cultural Center, and has frequently used the Cultural Center for larger events. And through its Community Grants and other programs, the IHC already has application processes in place that invite nonprofit organizations to develop and implement their own public humanities programs. Coupled with support from Cultural Center staff to handle event logistics, this infrastructure and expertise will ensure that quality public programs will take place at the Cultural Center.
Events must be free and open to the public, and applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event. Once applications are approved, time slots will be provided according to the schedule of events at the Chicago Cultural Center. The Chicago Cultural Center requires a $200 administrative fee for any events after 5pm. For a full description of the guidelines and the application, interested organizations and individuals can visit The Collaborative City page on the IHC’s website at www.prairie.org, or contact the IHC at (312) 422-5580.
About the Illinois Humanities Council
The Illinois Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. The IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.
About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to promoting and supporting Chicago’s arts and culture sector. This includes, but is not limited to: fostering the development of Chicago’s nonprofit arts sector, presenting high-quality, free or low-fee cultural programs accessible to residents and visitors; and marketing the City’s cultural assets to local, regional, and global audiences.
Media Contact:
Carlos Velázquez
(312) 422-5580, x233
cav@prairie.org
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