(CHICAGO) Today the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) released the DRAFT Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 plan for public comment and will host four town halls meetings to continue the conversation with Chicago residents and stakeholders across the city. The draft plan can be downloaded at www.chicagocultralplan2012.com or www.cityofchicago.org/dcase.
"Chicago is home to a vibrant cultural community that has not only defined our history, but shapes our future as it is essential to our economic competitiveness and the vitality of our neighborhoods," said Mayor Emanuel. "Thanks to input from the public, the draft cultural plan will chart a roadmap forChicago's cultural and economic growth and serve as a guiding force to ensure Chicago remains a destination for creativity, innovation and the arts."
In continuing with its highly-engaged public process for the Cultural Plan, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will once again hold a series of public meetings to get direct feedback from residents. Once again, the Cultural Plan team is reaching out for community involvement. All are invited to attend a meeting or share feedback online at www.chicagoculturalplan2012.org .
"After more than 25 years Chicago is on the verge of implementing a new Cultural Plan," said DCASECommissioner Michelle T. Boone. "The draft Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 reflects the voices and views of Chicagoans from across the city and presents a set of initial priorities and recommendations shared with us over the past few months. Our goal is for the plan to serve as an important tool that can help us build a more vital arts and creative community for Chicago today and into the future. I encourage everyone to download and review the draft plan and share your thoughts online or attend one of the four town hall meetings this month."
Dates and locations for the four town halls are as follows:
July 24 — 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Malcolm X College
1900 West Van Buren
July 25 — 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - South Shore Cultural Center
7059 S. South Shore Drive
July 28 - 10:00 a.m. to noon - St. Augustine College-Essanay Studios
1345 West Argyle Street
July 31 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Chicago Cultural Center
78 East Washington Street
Additionally, a summary of information gathered during the earlier public engagement process is available at www.chicagoculturalplan2012.com .
Lord Cultural Resources was selected earlier this year as a consultant on the cultural plan initiative. It is one of the world's largest cultural professional practices and has developed cultural plans for major cities across the globe. Lord partnered with Chicago-based Research Explorers, Weetu, Dickerson Global Advisors and arts consultant and researcher Nick Rabkin.
Funding for the initiative is provided by the generous support of The Allstate Insurance Company,The Chicago Community Trust and the Illinois Arts Council.
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About The Chicago Community Trust
For 96 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region's community foundation, has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2011, the Trust, together with its donors, granted more than $100 million to nonprofit organizations: developing new audiences to sustain Chicago's vibrant arts organizations, protecting the human success safety net for those hardest hit by the recession, stemming the devastating effects of foreclosures on our communities, elevating teaching to meet world class standards; and improving conditions for healthy and active lifestyles. To learn more, please visit the Trust online at www.cct.org .
About the Illinois Arts Council: "Building a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the engagement of all Illinoisans in the pursuit of, participation in, and enjoyment of the arts." In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly created the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) for the purpose of encouraging the development of the arts throughout Illinois. This state agency assists artists, arts organizations, educational institutions and other community organizations that present arts programming by providing financial and technical assistance. The Governor and General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts provide funds annually to the Illinois Arts Council. For additional information, visit the IACwebsite — www.arts.illinois.gov .
About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to promoting and supportingChicago's arts and culture sector. DCASE produces nearly 2,000 public programs, events and support services annually, generating millions in economic benefits for the City of Chicago. For more information visit www.cityofchicago.org/DCASE or join us on Facebook or on Twitter @ChicagoDCASE.
For additional information on the Chicago Cultural Plan please visit www.chicagoculturalplan2012.com , e-mail at culturalplan@cityofchicago.org or call (312) 744-3316. Join the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ChiCulturalPlan.