About this Event
Visit the Welcome Center off the Randolph Street (North)entrance for the current Neighborhood Cultural Spotlights (FKA CULTURE SNAPS) and then nominate your favorite neighborhood cultural asset!
Neighborhood Cultural Spotlight features people, places and things nominated by Chicagoans for their cultural contribution to their neighborhood’s vitality.
Neighborhood Cultural Spotlight celebrates cultural assets in Chicago’s varied and vibrant 77 community areas. Check out the features in this space and then visit them in person or online!
Year 4 of Neighborhood Cultural Spotlights are (in order of date of public programs at the Chicago Cultural Center):
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Details below for Neighborhood Cultural Spotlight public events in the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph) - All public programs below are from 2-3pm on the dates listed.
- December 6 (video), 7 (live), 20 (video), 21 (live & part of building wide Open House)
Live performances with steel pan orchestra on 12/7 & 21 2-3pm
Epic Steel Orchestra stands as a beacon of hope in Chicago's underserved communities, building upon decades of musical education tradition. What began as an idea to positively affect the lives of inner-city youth in a tough Chicago neighborhood has become a musical sensation garnering the attention of audiences throughout the Midwest and beyond. Representing Morgan Park/Roseland
- Feburary 28 & March 1, 14, 15 2025
Provides free, safe, open spaces where people are empowered, nurtured, and connected through art. SkyART’s vision is for all youth, regardless of their economic status or geographical location, to have access to free quality arts programming and art therapy. Through its studios on the South and West sides of Chicago, local schools, community organizations, and youth detention centers, SkyART uses art and personal engagement to provide youth (ages 7-24) with the space to use their voice, express themselves, and freedom of choice. Representing South Chicago/Garfield Park.
- April 4, 5, 18, 19 2025
Continues the legacy of tenor saxophonist Dr. Earl LaVon Freeman, who hosted an open free music jam from the 1970s to the 2000s, presenting live music events in Chicago's southeast communities.
Free music programs on church steps, in parks, on corners, in vacant lots, and in collaboration with block clubs and community organizations. SSJC believes that everyone is entitled to free arts and culture without regard for their social or economic status. Representing South Chicago.
- May 2, 3, 16 & 17 2025
Cultivates a vibrant arts community in the Austin neighborhood by curating events and programming that honor the narratives of Chicago's West side through artistic expression. Through diverse arts and cultural offerings including workshops, classes, performances, and exhibitions, they contribute to the dynamic tapestry of Chicago's West side arts legacy. By embracing the essence of front porch culture, their initiatives provide a safe and nurturing space for storytelling, wisdom sharing, and creative exploration, while creating positive recreational opportunities within the Austin community. Representing Austin.
GETTING HERE:
Public Transportation:
Take CTA to the Chicago Cultural Center
From the elevated lines: exit at Washington/Wabash and walk east.
From the subway: exit at Lake (Red Line) or Washington (Blue Line) and walk east.
Served by Michigan Avenue buses 3, 4, 19, 20, 26, 60, 66, 124, 143, 147, 151, 157 and Washington St. buses 4, J14, 20, 56, 66, 147.
For travel information, visit www.transitchicago.com. For fare information or to purchase fares in advance, visit www.ventrachicago.com.
Parking:
Nearby parking garages are located at Grant Park North Garage (25 N. Michigan Ave.), Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan Ave.) and Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr.).
Pay in person at each garage location or pre-pay online for discounted parking. Visit www.millenniumgarages.com/rates or call 312.616.0600 for 24/7 customer service.
NCS YEAR 4 PAST PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS:
- August 2, 3, 16, 17
Associate director for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation - Greater Chicago (TRHT), and founder of the South side nonprofit Wrap Your beYOUty Movement, which exemplifies the sacred Ge'le', or headwrap, as a symbol of strength and honor. Representing Rogers Park.
August 2, 2-3pm: Having a designated sacred space in one's home for spiritual activities encourages consistency and discipline in one's spiritual practice. Learn the basic fundamentals of creating your own spiritual garden that is conducive to meditation, reflection, and communion with the divine.
August 3, 2-3pm: Guided meditation with Iya Pilar. Learn the basic fundamentals of learning to quiet the mind, relax the body and connect to the breath in preparation for daily meditation in your sacred space.
August 16, 2-3pm: Journaling and writing one's thoughts, affirmations and prayers daily feeds the flowers of the mind and supports a balanced life of introspection and accountability for one's own spiritual journey. Transform mundane journal entries into deeply meaningful keys to self!
August 17, 2-3pm: Wrap your beYOUty around your head! In this fun tutorial, learn the basics of Pilar's signature "Tower of Power" Gele headwrap and exemplify your inner Queen. Gain a deeper understanding of the sacred, ancient practice of headwrapping.
- September 6, 7, 20, 21
Has been painting for over 15 years and has been inspired by alternative and underground musicians and visual artists in Chicago. His work often features themes around mental health, especially breaking generational traits of machismo and encouraging men to express their emotions. Representing Chicago Lawn.
d - October 4, 5, 18, 19
Provides a safety net through inspiration, encouragement, and listening, to create a safe space for community through fashion, music, and philanthropy.
Includes events for families and kids, mentoring with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and helping young people start businesses in fields such as screen printing, music production, writing, and deejaying. Representing Englewood.
- November 1, 2, 15, 16
Thwack Dance is located within Chase Park in Uptown and aims to serve under-resourced neighborhoods on Chicago's North and Northwest sides. They bring free, professional dance concerts to public parks, and teach low cost adult dance classes out of Chase Park. Representing Uptown.
Visitors to the Chicago Cultural Center during Thwack Dance’s Neighborhood Cultural Spotlight are welcomed into a bird's eye view of our rehearsal process. We invite you to see short, 1-5 minute, excerpts from their upcoming concerts of Christmas Oratorio choreographed by early American modern dance innovator Charles Weidman. There will also be quick informal talks touching on historical, educational and observational aspects of the work. As well as, low stakes chances to participate, like viewing from multiple places in the room or rewatching a few dance steps after listening to a dancer's explanation of it. Come as you are!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, United States
USD 0.00
