Queer artist/advocate Elijah McKinnon is among 11 local individuals The Field Foundation, in partnership with the John D. and =Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, announced as the 2020 Leaders for a New Chicago cohort.
The leadership awards are part of Field's ongoing investment in racial justice visionaries and organizations addressing systemic issues in Chicago's divested communities. The 11 leaders in three categoriesMedia & Storytelling, Justice and Artreach across boundaries to find new ways, stories and ideas that propel Chicago toward its full potential, said Angelique Power, president of the Field Foundation of Chicago, in a statement.
"This award recognizes power. These visionaries are changing the game across the city and we need them now more than ever," Power said. "Each leader will receive a $25,000 cash award in recognition of past accomplishments, and their affiliated organizations will each receive an additional $25,000 general operating grant."
McKinnon is an award-winning strategist, creative director, entrepreneur, artist and advocate for queer history, queer artmaking and queer practices in Chicago. McKinnon co-creates an art gallery, event space, and project incubator located in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood for marginalized communities and narratives.
Some of the other leaders in this group include Black Ensemble Theater founder/CEO Jackie Taylor, Free Write Arts & Literacy Executive Director Ryan Keesling, National Museum of Mexican Art Executive Producer & Educator Stephanie Manriquez and Resident Association of Greater Englewood Executive Director Asiaha Butler.