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SAVE THE DATE!
The Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago invites you to reclaim your water and foster a sense of joy and possibility through music, performance and community connection. Meet us where the legendary Damen Grain Silos tower over the South Branch of the storied Chicago River.
Free and open to the public.
CELEBRATE the efforts and achievements of environmental justice advocates and artists.
LEARN about the history of the silos and their current state.
ENJOY knowledge-sharing and performances on the main stage.
IMAGINE alternatives for the silos while considering the impact of demolition on residents.
ENGAGE with the river and each other through curated activities and art installations.
CONNECT in meaningful ways with representatives from community-based organizations.
PERFORMANCE STAGE
Enjoy knowledge-sharing and artistic performances on the main stage.
Alfredo Romo, Neighbors 4 Environmental Justice
Amy Sanchez and Zhenya Polozova, Warehouse Workers for Justice
Chicago Fringe Opera
Citlalli Trujillo, Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization
Derek McPhatter and Mike Przygoda
Dez Brown
Free Street Theater
Jarochicanos
Kate Eakins, Mckinley Park Development Council
Kim Wasserman, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
La Cindy Nero
Pugs Atomz
Yuri Lane
and The Freshwater Lab
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE
Engage with the river and each other through interactive activities and art installations curated by these organizations.
¡Animate!
Chicago BIPOC Birders
Shedd Aquarium
Soil Ecologies
Urban Rivers
COMMUNITY EXPO
Connect in meaningful ways with representatives from these community-based organizations.
¡Animate!
Bridgeport Alliance
Chicago Asian Americans for Environmental Justice
Chicago Fringe Opera
Chicago Environmental Educators
Chicago Food Policy Action Council
Chicago Midwest Made
Chicago Muslims Green Team
Chicago BIPOC Birders
Chicago Safe Soils Collective
Chicago Art Department
Chicago Public Art Group
Free Street Theater
Friends of the Chicago River
Friends of the Parks
Illinois Environmental Council
Instituto del Progreso Latino
Landmarks Illinois
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
Mckinley Park Development Council
Neighbors 4 Environmental Justice
Nordson Green Earth Foundation
Openlands
Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization
Shedd Aquarium
UIC Heritage Garden
UIC Latino Cultural Center
Warehouse Workers for Justice
Women League of Voters of Chicago
SUPPORT
The Backward River Festival: Damen Silo City is the final event of a program supported by the University of Illinois Presidential Initiative for Arts and Humanities in which The Freshwater Lab hosted cultural events along the South Branch of the Chicago River: a two-day festival in October 2021 at Park 571; an activation event in September 2022 at Canalport Riverwalk Park to launch Rio de Bienvenida/River of Welcome; and another festival in June 2023 at Park 571 to unveil Rio de Bienvenida/River of Welcome. The Backward River Festival: Damen Silo City is also supported by a generous donation from the Chicago Frontlines Funding Initiative.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Canalport Riverwalk Park, 2900 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
