The Chicago Inclusion Project Announces Anti-Racism Workshops for Theatre and Arts Organizations

The staff of The Chicago Inclusion Project is excited to launch a new workshop and continuum developed by staff members Jessica Vann and Arti Ishak. The workshop, entitled “Being Anti-Racist: An Active Action,” is designed for Theatre and Arts organizations looking for a comprehensive deep-dive into Anti-Racist practices and actionable steps toward becoming an Anti-Racist organization. After taking this workshop, companies will have a deeper understanding of where their institution stands, and a clear idea of actions that can be taken to achieve Anti-Racism goals. Inspired by Enrich Chicago & Crossroad’s Continuum …

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“All Together Now” Community Fundraiser

Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, in partnership with the Athenaeum Theater, is coordinating a Chicago Theatre Community fundraising event to benefit any and all Chicago theatres that want to participate. The plan is to put on a one-night only production of “All Together Now”, a new musical revue being offered license and royalty-free by MTI for use by anyone the weekend of November 12-15th. Details as to what songs are being released for use in this revue are still forthcoming, but the show will be free to use in any form during that …

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Congo Square Theatre Company and Sydney Chatman announced as recipients of 2021 Joyce Awards

Sydney Chatman and Congo Square Theatre Company were announced this week as recipients of the Joyce Foundation’s 2021 Joyce Awards. Since 2003, the Joyce Awards have supported the creation of new work by emerging and mid-career artists of color to foster more culturally vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities in six Great Lakes cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Minneapolis-St Paul. The $75,000 grant will support Chatman’s creation and presentation of a new theatrical work as part of Congo Square’s August Wilson New Play Initiative, created in partnership with Chicago community members …

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Michael Merritt Award Ceremony on May 17, 2021

The Michael Merritt Award, a national award unique in its emphasis on excellence in both design and collaboration, is presented annually to professional theatrical designers. The Michael Merritt Awards announces that on Monday May 17, 2021 the award ceremony will be a virtual event that will highlight two designers who are powerhouse advocates of inclusion and equity in employment. The Merritt Award for Design and Collaboration will be presented to Clint Ramos; Designer, Educator, Activist and Creative Producer. The Merritt Award’s first Arts Advocate Award will be presented to Elsa Hiltner, Costume …

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Grant Announcement: Rick Bayless’ Family Foundation Opens Annual Theater Grant Applications

Celebrity chef’s foundation makes $300,000 available to Chicago theater companies The Bayless Family Foundation is proud to announce the 2021 “Signal Grant” application is open for Chicago theaters. “We hope these grants can be a lively, bright spark to our city’s theater scene after what’s been a dark time,” said Rick Bayless, the celebrity chef behind the James Beard Award-winning restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo. The “Signal Grant” is being offered in response to the COVID crisis for Chicago’s theatre community, which has been among the hardest-hit industries in the ongoing pandemic …

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Invitation to Apply with Honey Pot Performance for Hub Artist position as Part of We Will Chicago Initiative

As the first citywide planning effort of its type in half a century, We Will Chicago seeks to develop a people-focused vision for all aspects of the Chicago government using three guiding principles: EQUITY. DIVERSITY. RESILIENCY. As part of this work, Honey Pot Performance has been selected as the lead public engagement artist to support aspects of this greater planning initiative. We imagine working with a cross-section of emerging and established cultural workers and community organizers rooted in place. We will harness this process not only to support the creation of a …

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We Will Chicago Artist Encounter on March 10

Chicago theaters have been shuttered for a year. The pandemic has revealed the city’s systemic, economic inequalities to be as devastating as ever. The City of Chicago is embarking on a new comprehensive, citywide plan—the first of its kind in over 50 years—called We Will Chicago. Join Goodman Artistic Associate and director Henry Wishcamper in conversation with Maurice Cox, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development as we dive into the vital role Arts and Culture plays in this historic initiative on March 10 at 5PM. Read More.