My interest in the role that arts spaces can play in equitable economic and community development began in 2017 when I served as one of three Producers at the Goodman. I was asked to create a vision statement for a new 135-seat Studio Theater. The concept was for the new Studio Theater to empower Goodman to embrace greater artistic risks, curate a broader spectrum of innovative theatrical and community engagement programs, cultivate new audiences, explore novel producing models, and respond more swiftly to contemporary events. At the time, theater artists and administrators were grappling with how to address a series of longstanding systemic issues that were deeply embedded in the artistic and administrative operations of theaters across the country. Up until I started thinking through the possibilities of the new Studio Theater, I had focused primarily on programming as the key catalyst for systemic change in the industry. As I started working on the vision statement for the new Studio Theater, I got more and more excited thinking about how we could expand our use of the public spaces that we were stewards of. While many non-profit theaters are housed in stunning downtown buildings, the majority remain closed to the public except for a mere 2 to 3 hours each day.

Performing arts institutions act as significant engines for economic development for their neighborhoods and cities. Restaurants, hotels, parking lots and other adjacent businesses benefit from business generated by theater patrons. During the 1980s, 90s and 2000s, cities across the country invested in theaters and other performing arts institutions in their central business districts. When Goodman moved from the Art Institute to its current home on Dearborn and Randolph in 2000, it catalyzed a revitalization of the Loop. It and other performing arts buildings built or restored with this municipal investment helped transform neighborhoods that previously had emptied at 5pm into dynamic centers of culture and engines for economic development and tourism.

Both public and private investments in arts organizations within historically disinvested neighborhoods can yield analogous impacts on the economic and community development of these areas. Chicago’s Southside is currently experiencing a remarkable flourishing of new cultural spaces and placemaking projects that celebrate African American culture and heritage. Black community organizations and developers are working to create the Lillian Marcie Center for the Performing Arts, The Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley Museum, the National Museum of Gospel Music at the Pilgrim Baptist Church, the Muddy Waters MOJO Museum, The Civic Arts Church, The Forum, The St. Lawrence School and many more. Longstanding Black performing arts companies such as Red Clay Dance, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Definition Theater and others have either recently opened or are building homes on the Southside. This extraordinary collection of projects will transform the economy, the cultural vitality and the built environment of neighborhoods like Bronzeville, South Shore, Englewood, Pullman and South Chicago.

Bustling Spaces is committed to assisting artists, community groups, and creative businesses with concrete concepts for utilizing their spaces in ways that foster vibrant centers of creativity, cultural celebration, and equitable economic opportunities within their communities. We are excited to help you manifest your vision for your community.