Creativity, Arts and Economic Vitality
This panel discussion is part of MPC’s series of events and content exploring the role of arts & culture in promoting vibrant and equitable cities.
Artists contribute to our cultural dialogue by shedding light on critical social issues. Today, leaders in Chicago’s creative community are exploring the link between the arts, community advocacy, and issues tied to Chicago’s economic future, such as education, gentrification, and segregation.
Join MPC for a panel discussion on the role of the arts and artists in promoting economic vitality and equity in our region and beyond.
Panelists:
- Moderated by Tiffanie Beatty, Associate Director of Programming at the Chicago Humanities Festival and founder of “Art Is Bonfire”
- Lynn Basa: Artist, author and founder of The Corner Project in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood; Basa uses art as a tool for community engagement and advocates for policies which protect community assets.
- Paola Aguirre: Founder of urban design and research practice Borderless Studio/Workshop and featured designer at Jane Addams Hull-House exhibition, “Claiming Space: Creative Grounds and Freedom Summer School,” which utilizes interactive mapping to visualize Chicago Public School closures and reflect on the social and economic consequences of school closings. Paola is also an active educator and teaches in the Department of Architecture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Faheem Majeed: Former Executive Director and Curator for the South Side Community Art Center; artist Faheem Majeed’s works explore themes of marginalization and synthesize making, curation, performance and community organizing, approaching art as a platform for change.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The program will begin at 5:30 p.m., with time to mingle before and after. The cost of the event is $15, which includes snacks, wine, and beer. Space is limited, so please register in advance.
Sponsorship opportunities for this event are available! For more information, contact:
Janet Myers
Vice President of Philanthropy
jmyers@metroplanning.org
312.863.6010