CITY OF CHICAGO LAUNCHES 2012 CULTURAL PLAN INITIATIVE!

City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

CITY OF CHICAGO LAUNCHES 2012 CULTURAL PLAN INITIATIVE

Public Town Hall Meetings Begin in February

Public engagement will play a key role.  Town Hall meetings will be held in four locations beginning February 15 and continuing on February 16, 18 and 21.  The following dates include the location and time of each town hall:

                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.

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.

“We are creating a new Cultural Plan to address the challenges our city faces today and to identify opportunities for the future,” said Michelle Boone, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.  “We want residents and community leaders to help shape a plan that will guide the City’s cultural growth and to reinforce Chicago as a global destination for the arts.”

Chicagoans can easily participate in shaping the plan and can submit their ideas through social media, town hall meetings and public forums.  The plan will provide a list of recommendations and serve as a blue print for the future of Chicago’s arts and culture community.   The strategies of the plan will also help implement key goals such as extending the arts into the neighborhoods.

To further the conversation and to allow an even greater role, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has launched an interactive website, www.chicagoculturalplan2012.com  where Chicagoans can submit ideas and participate in the discussion. 

Other involved entities:

The Chicago Community Trust @ www.cct.org.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) @ www.explorechicago.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.