CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) -- Chicago officials have announced “Arts 77,” an investment of money designed to bring more art and culture to all fo Chicago’s 77 individual neighborhoods.
The commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events calls it a “major new direction” for the city’s cultural policy. It’s an investment of $60 million over the next several years to help develop culture in outlying communities, not just downtown.
Commissioner Mark Kelly the Austin neighborhood is one example. The Austin town hall will be restored to host cultural activities.
“There’s going to be free performances, music in the ‘Year of Chicago Music,” Kelly said. “And cultural performances in the streets and plazas and parks.”
Kelly says if the city “can successfully bring 20-some cultural centers to life” in the neighborhoods, that would be transformative.
“Maybe unparalleled,” he says, “to any other city.”
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