Building Up From a Firm Foundation

By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel

The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (GDDF), an organization dedicated to support of the arts in small and mid-level institutions, brought together a wide cross-section of individuals who are part of or work with these providers. They convened the first Chicago Artistic Vitality Arts Symposium, an opportunity for discussion of the state of arts as it is now, and how to reach their goals together.

The keynote speaker was Erin Harkey, former Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and now CEO of Americans for the Arts. Speaking from her expertise gained with her master’s in Public Art Administration and previous work in the Los Angeles area managing public arts programs, Ms. Harkey expounded on where arts are now and suggested ways to not only maintain the headway but continue to expand our progress.

She was followed by Karla Estela Rivera, an arts activist/advocate, as well as performer and writer, who has made impact in the national culture policy debate, while continuing her own work as a teaching artist and storyteller. Then Rough House Theater, Chicago Tap Theatre, Melody Angel, and Spectralina contributed diverse examples of various performance arts offered in the Chicagoland area. These all collaborated to point up how much arts and cultural organizations can open and further conversations about who we are and where we want to go as citizens of the planet. Thanks to GDDF for putting their money where their mouths are so these and other groups can continue their work.

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