DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly Ready to Retire

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly to talk about his tenure leading the city’s cultural agency and his decision to retire.

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WDCB 90.9 FM · The Arts Section: DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly Ready to Retire

“It’s the coolest job in the city of Chicago, so relish it, embrace it, and go at it. I tried to be fearless, I can’t say I was fearless every moment, but be fearless, because the work is so important.” - Retiring Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly’s advice for the next DCASE leader.

WDCB’s Gary Zidek and DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly

Only three people have had the distinction of serving as commissioner of the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs. It’s an exclusive club that includes the late Lois Weisberg, Michelle Boone and current Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly. And at some point in the not-too distant future a fourth person will join the fraternity, Kelly's last day on the job is coming up on Friday October 29. The one time Columbia College administrator announced his plan to retire this past summer. 

Kelly served as DCASE Commissioner for five years after being appointed to the position by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. And continued working in the role after Lori Lightfoot took office in 2019. He oversaw a number of popular initiatives including a series of “YEAR OF” programs that celebrated specific artforms like theatre, music and public art over the course of 12 months. Kelly also was forced to cope with an unprecedented pandemic that forced every performing arts venue, museum and cultural institution to close for long stretches in 2020 and 2021. Despite the gloom of the past year-and-a-half, Kelly is optimistic about the future of Chicago’s cultural landscape. He’s also looking forward to life without meetings.

DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly in his Chicago Cultural Center office

Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) unveiled a $2.3 million relief fund for Chicago’s artists and creative workers who have suffered lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program will distribute hundreds of financial assistance grants. The city’s Cultural Grants budget is going from $2.7 million to $20.7 million, with DCASE’s operating budget being largely restored to pre-pandemic levels. The Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program has officially launched, there’s an application deadline in November; and grantees will receive funds before the end of 2021. You can find more information at ChicagoCulturalGrants.org.