As Weather Gets Warmer, What Will Cultural Calendar Look Like?

WDCB’s Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly for a conversation about the city’s music festivals and what’s next.

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“We were just about to launch, in the biggest way, the Year of Chicago Music. Seemed like everything had come to fruition, the entire music landscape joined with us and then it’s all gone. What we’ve experienced, is what the entire cultural landscape of the city (has experienced). Every music club is empty, every musician is without work or audience, every theater is dark and our dancers have nowhere to perform. I don’t think any of us could have imagined this scenario, and how devastating it is for everyone, and in particular for the cultural landscape of the city.” - DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly talking about how everything has changed over the past two months.

DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly speaking at the announcement event for the Year of Chicago Music in the Fall of 2019.

Almost two months into Illinois’ stay-at-home order, there are still several questions about what the future will look for the local arts and entertainment scene. A couple of weeks ago, Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events cancelled several city-run summer music festivals, including the House Music, Gospel and Blues Festivals. The city’s much talked about YEAR OF CHICAGO MUSIC campaign will be extended into 2021. WDCB’s Gary Zidek caught up with DCASE commissioner Mark Kelly over-the-phone to talk about the city’s cultural landscape in this unprecedented time.

One way people can help support the local arts community is by donating to the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. You can learn more about Arts For Illinois by visiting artsforillinois.org