Gates has been selected to create a new public art installation for the Johnson Publishing Company’s historic building in Chicago. The installation will be a tribute to the legacy of the company, which has been a cornerstone of Black culture and journalism for decades. Gates’s work often explores themes of community, memory, and the power of art to transform spaces. Theaster Gates’s work is known for its use of found objects, repurposing materials, and incorporating historical context into his art.
Applications Open For Richard Hunt Sculpture Award “In recognition of the internationally-heralded artist and Chicago native Richard Hunt, Chicago Sculpture Exhibit brings new perspectives and diversity to the public art world by offering financial support to emerging or mid-career Chicagoland sculptors for a new artwork sited at a prominent location in the city. The award is part of CSE’s mission to encourage a broader range of artists to design and fabricate large-scale public sculpture. The financial provision for the production of the work is $10,000, eighty percent provided for the planning or creation of the artist’s work and twenty percent dispersed upon installation.” Application here.
**A. Prestigious Architecture Award Recognizes Global Design Excellence**
**B.
The award recognizes outstanding contributions to architecture and design. The award is presented annually by the Japan Foundation. The Praemium Imperiale is considered one of the most prestigious architecture awards in the world.
Another River North Loft Building Goes Residential “A Chicago apartment landlord has picked up a loft office building in River North [at 116-122 West Illinois] with a plan to turn it into thirty-six residential units, adding to the list of office-to-apartment conversion plans popping up downtown,” reports Crain’s. Humboldt Park Children’s Store Lasted Six Years “Peach Fuzz, 1005 North California, which opened in 2018, will close… the weekend of October 16, said shop owner Claire Tibbs, who also owns popular vintage-modern mecca Humboldt House nearby,” relays Block Club. “The shop hasn’t made enough money to keep it open.” A Single Cyclist Killed In Chicago This Year
The article highlights the tragic incident and its impact on the city’s cycling community. It also emphasizes the importance of safety measures and infrastructure improvements for cyclists. The article further explores the broader context of cycling safety in Chicago, including the city’s efforts to promote cycling and the challenges it faces.
Interior Designers Hoard Incandescents “When the Energy Department announced a new efficiency standard in 2022 that would effectively render old-school incandescent lightbulbs unsellable, panic rippled through the design community,” reports the Washington Post (gift link). “The original Thomas Edison-patented bulbs—characterized by the burning-hot tungsten filament inside—cast a particular mood around a space. Interior designers and many homeowners adore their warm glow. The LED bulbs that have replaced them tend to have a cooler look that designers find noticeable, even in bulbs designed for visual warmth… That’s caused a Prohibition-type mindset among those who simply refuse to accept the demise of beautiful lighting. Like 1920s bootleggers, they scrounge up their contraband wherever they can find it.”
New USPS Electric Trucks Ugly, Some Say “The Postal Service’s new delivery vehicles aren’t going to win a beauty contest. They’re tall and ungainly. The windshields are vast. Their hoods resemble a duck bill. Their bumpers are enormous,” reports Associated Press. “Odd appearance aside, the first handful of Next Generation Delivery Vehicles that rolled onto postal routes in August in Athens, Georgia, are getting rave reviews from letter carriers accustomed to cantankerous older vehicles that lack modern safety features and are prone to breaking down—and even catching fire.” DINING & DRINKING Steve Chiappetti Steps In At theWit Chef Steve Chiappetti has stepped into a culinary leadership role at Loop hotel theWit. Alongside his longtime oversight at Hotel EMC2—which encompasses the Albert restaurant, Archive Lounge, in-room dining and banquets—Chiappetti will “expand his role and lend his expertise to the culinary experiences at theWit.” Both theWit and EMC2 are owned and operated by Chicago-based SMASHotels. Chiappetti’s first initiative at theWit was to reimagine the menu at State and Lake Chicago Tavern, located on the hotel’s first floor with access from State Street.
The restaurant was known for its classic Italian dishes, its warm and inviting atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It was a place where families could gather and create memories. The restaurant’s closure was a significant loss for the neighborhood, and its absence is still felt today.
“The Bear” Takes Eleven Wins Out Of Twenty-Three Nominations In Catch-Up Emmys “‘The Bear’ broke its record set in 2023 with eleven wins,” tallies Eater Chicago, but did not win as outstanding comedy series. Sunday’s awards recognized season two of the Chicago-set show. “This was the second ceremony put on by the Television Academy in 2024. The seventy-fifth edition was held in January after being delayed due to last year’s Hollywood strikes, meaning that ‘Bear’ stars Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach each won two awards—for different seasons—just eight months apart,” relays the Washington Post. A new win: best supporting actress for the amazing Liza Colón-Zayas.
This classification, some argued, was based on the film’s satirical elements and its comedic timing, while others believed it was a result of the film’s lighthearted tone and upbeat soundtrack. However, the film’s creators and some viewers felt it was a dark comedy with a message of hope. The debate surrounding the film’s categorization sparked discussions about the complex nature of comedy.
A. A Novel Perspective on American Democracy
**
* Camille Bordas, a French novelist, is writing a book about the Democratic National Convention in 2020. * Bordas is using her fictional characters to explore the complexities of American democracy. * Bordas’s book is being published by a small, independent publisher. * Bordas’s work is being praised for its insightful and nuanced portrayal of American democracy.
“Daniel Kraus had worked with the George A. Romero’s estate when he turned an unpublished zombie story into the 2020 novel ‘The Living Dead.’ He did it again with ‘Pay the Piper.’ … Kraus, who studied Romero’s oeuvre, gave it a fitting finish,” reports the New York Times. “The novel demonstrates a knack for the kind of patient, expansive storytelling Romero couldn’t always squeeze into his big-screen efforts. ‘Pay the Piper’ unites many of the filmmaker’s far-flung interests, from pulpy pirate tales to golden-age Hollywood lore to centuries-spanning American history. To those who celebrated (or perhaps derided) Romero as the dean of the dead, the completed novel offers a chance to reconsider his legacy.” There are still “blueprints for more than a hundred unfinished films and TV projects waiting in the Romero archives.” More on “Pay The Piper” from Kraus here.
The program, which encourages students to explore and appreciate poetry, has been a resounding success, impacting thousands of students across the state. The Illinois Arts Council is proud to announce that the program will continue to be supported by the Illinois General Assembly. This support ensures that Poetry Out Loud will continue to be a vital resource for educators and students across the state. The program’s impact is evident in the numerous awards and recognitions it has received.
MUSIC How Chicago-Based Numero Group Brought Back The Sounds Of Nigeria’s Twin Lijadu Sisters “After being out of circulation for years, all five of the Lijadu Sisters’ 1970s albums will be remastered and reissued by the Numero Group, beginning with the release next week of perhaps their most fully realized record, ‘Horizon Unlimited’ (1979),” reports the New York Times (gift link). The sisters were among Nigeria’s biggest 1970s pop stars: “In Nigeria’s male-dominated music scene, the Lijadu Sisters were among the first—and fiercest—popular female artists, groundbreaking not only for their music (a mélange that included folky apala, funky Afrobeat and slinky disco) but also their feminism.”
com. The news of his passing was announced on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, by his family. Tito Jackson, born in 1950, was a renowned musician, songwriter, and producer. He was a key figure in the success of The Jackson 5, contributing significantly to their iconic sound and legacy.
STAGE Third Annual Chicago Performs Opens At MCA The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago announces the 2024 Chicago Performs showcase—”an intimate festival of live arts highlighting essential local artists on a national platform.” The 2024 edition includes work by Lynkanthea, Every house has a door and cat mahari, who will present a variety of performances across the MCA’s grounds, including the Edlis Neeson Theater and the Anne & John Kern Terrace Garden. Their works include lush and environmental musical work that transforms the MCA Stage, an outdoor performance inspired by “The Carnival of the Animals” that addresses climate change, and a play-inspired performance.
“Each year through the Chicago Performs series, the MCA invites three to four artists to share works of performance, including pieces this year that have been developed through the MCA’s In Progress series and the New Works Initiative. Bringing together live arts from across genres, Chicago Performs supports artists who are entering a new phase of their practice—whether stepping onto a larger stage for the first time, exploring new directions, or expanding the scale of their projects—and offers the public an unprecedented chance to witness the city’s groundbreaking performance artists in action.” More here. Christopher Wheeldon On Depicting Gay Physicality In “Oscar” Ballet
The premiere of “The Body Electric” by the choreographer, Justin Peck, is a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in classical dance. This groundbreaking piece is not only a celebration of love and passion, but also a powerful commentary on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. The choreography is infused with the vibrant colors and kinetic energy of the 20th and 21st centuries, creating a stunning visual feast for the audience.
The Sun-Times article details how the technology, which uses microphones to detect gunshots, has been used in Chicago for several years. The technology has been praised for its ability to quickly identify and pinpoint the location of gunshots, which can help law enforcement in their investigations. However, the article also highlights the concerns surrounding the technology, particularly its accuracy and potential for misuse.
The event, known as CultureFest, was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. The decision to cancel was made after a series of threats were made against the city, county, and school facilities. The threats were made via social media, and the city officials were concerned about the potential for violence.
“We’re going to have AI and surveillance to keep people in line.”
This statement, made during a recent interview, has sparked controversy and debate. Ellison’s comments reflect a growing concern among some tech leaders about the potential for AI and surveillance technologies to be used for social control. **Ellison’s Vision of the Future**
Ellison envisions a future where AI and surveillance technologies are used to monitor and control citizens’ behavior.
Government Reintroduces Free COVID Tests U.S. households again will be eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests. Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. The link is here. Send culture news and tips to [email protected]
