Chicago Cultural Alliance

German Citizenship Forum with the German Consulate
2024-02-14 00:00 (America/Chicago) | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Date:
When
Saturday, April 06, 2024

Time:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location:
Location
DANK Haus Skyline Lounge, 6th Floor

German Citizenship Forum with the German Consulate
Saturday, April 6
10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
DANK Haus, 6th Floor Skyline Lounge

This panel and Q&A will provide you with insights on hot topics of German citizenship, from obtaining to retaining it. Representatives of the Chicago German Consulate will give you an understanding of the different application procedures, modalities of dual citizenship, relating family matters and share the news on the latest developments in citizenship law. This event will primarily follow a Question & Answer format. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online and submit questions in advance.

Semla Day Pop-Up Cafe
2024-02-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Celebrate the season before Easter with Sweden’s beloved treat, the semla bun. You can pre-order some here to take home or come by to enjoy semla buns and coffee at the Museum.

Semla Day
2024-02-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Celebrate the season leading up to Easter with Sweden’s beloved sweet treat, the semla bun. Place your order today here so you can try the Museum’s version of this centuries-old classic seasonal dish. Check back soon for information on order pickup on Feb. 13.

SAI Screenings: 'Indus Blues' (2019) by Jawad Sharif
2024-02-10 15:30 - 17:00 | South Asia Institute, 1925 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
South Asian filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Deepa Mehta, Mrinal Sen, Mira Nair, and Ritwik Ghatak have made significant contributions to the development of cinema using the medium to tell authentic stories of South Asian communities and their relationship to various socio-political issues. However, their contributions have always been overshadowed by the media hype surrounding Bollywood films.
To showcase the diversity of South Asian films, South Asia Institute is launching “SAI Screening”, a bi-monthly film screening series highlighting feature films and documentaries by South Asian filmmakers whose talents transcend cultures and boundaries. Their films are not only unique but also reflect different facets of South Asian culture and society.
For our first event, we are screening “Indus Blues” (2019), an award-winning documentary directed and produced by Jawad Sharif. The film explores the dying folk and classical musical culture of Pakistan and the challenges faced by the musicians to sustain the craft.
Join us for the screening of this thought-provoking film, followed by a discussion with the director.
Event Details
Ticket Price: $5
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2023
Time: 3:30 pm
Venue: 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL (South Asia Institute)
About the film
Shot in over 15 locations across Pakistan, Indus Blues is a musical feature documentary highlighting the plight of the folk musicians and craftsmen of Pakistan and the state of their dying art.
The diverse cultures around Indus, with over 70 spoken languages, have deep roots going back centuries. Despite the richness of the various cultures flourishing along the mighty Indus river, their sounds have faded to the background in a world dominated by modern musical instruments. Filmmaker Jawad Sharif takes us on a journey spanning a thousand miles from the Karakoram Mountains to the southern coastline, capturing the little-known ethnic, linguistic, and musical diversity and humanism of the cultures of the Indus.
About the filmmaker
Jawad Sharif is an award-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer based in Pakistan. Exploring the themes of social change and human rights, his projects focus on reviving the suppressed cultural and indigenous identities of Pakistan. In the past 15 years, Jawad has pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling by documenting stories about the rights of folk musicians, high-altitude porters, climate migrants, and marginalized communities.

Constructing Jathi Choreography with Harini Nilakantan
2024-02-10 13:15 - 14:15 | Kalapriya Studio, 2101 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, United States
Weekly Saturdays
1:15 – 2:15 PM
Harini Nilakantan is a student of Aacharya Choodamani Guru Smt. Roja
Kannan, and has over two decades of experience in this art form. In this 90-minute class, dancers will learn new choreography – both how to piece together combinations and increase retention with her for advanced
rhythmic patterns or Jathis.
Class focus: execution, technique, creativity, retention

Bending Light | Opening Reception
2024-02-10 12:00 - 16:00 | South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
Bending Light transcends the conventional use of colors within painting and delves into a realm where colors cease to merely reflect what our eyes perceive, but rather echo the sentiments of our hearts. Expressed in the works of six dynamic painters, colors cease to be passive elements; they become an emotional call and response, engaging beyond the confines of the canvas. Positive and negative spaces react differently, to create a vibrant dialogue that transcends, pushing all color theories to the edge. Through a meticulous play of colors, improvisation, storytelling, and thoughtful composition, each work, regardless of style, serves as a conduit for emotions and thoughts, encouraging viewers to delve deeper into their own introspection.
Echoing curator and artist Paul Branton, What does it truly mean to be colored in America? This question approaches theories of color, in relation to identity and the rich pigments found in nature; they serve as the palette for this artistic inquiry and the profound implications of this label. The artists explore its impact on Black identity, potential, and the intricate interplay between societal perceptions and individual existence.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the works are a celebration of the language of color, offering a poignant exploration of the unique challenges, triumphs, and complexities of Black life. Bending Light invites you to experience color not just as a visual spectacle but as a powerful conduit for reflection and dialogue.
Featured artists include Edo (Eddie Santana), Bryant Lamont, Courtney Collins, Pearlie Taylor, Robert Lewis Clark, and Paul Branton.

FREE Guided Tours at the National Hellenic Museum
2024-02-10 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-03 11:00 - 15:00 | National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Join us for our FREE, limited-time offer guided tours every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These one-hour tours offer a comprehensive journey through the museum’s rich exhibitions and artifacts.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with the HANA Center on February 10th!
2024-02-10 11:00 - 14:00 | HANA Center, 4300 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618, United States
Hana Center is holding a Lunar New Year event at its main building in Chicago to celebrate the Year of the Blue Dragon. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day filled with joy, cultural richness, and community spirit.
When: Saturday, February 10th, 11am – 2pm
Location: Hana Center Chicago Main Building, 4300 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 ( Directions )
Event details:
Pungmul performance
New Year’s Wishes
three times
Hanbok photo shoot
refreshments
Reserve your spot by Wednesday, February 7th, and tell your family and friends!

“Year of the Dragon: Early China to LEGO” – Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting
2024-02-10 11:00 - 11:30 | 3500 S Morgan Street, 3500 S Morgan St 3F, Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
On the first day of the Lunar New Year 2024, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art invites you to attend the Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting.
Enjoy our celebratory event to officially open ‘The Year of the Dragon: Special Exhibition’ and access the exhibit early!
Time and location: 11 AM, Sat, Feb 10th, 2024, at Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Admission: Members – Free | Non-Members – Adult $8; Student/Senior $5
About the Exhibition:
The dragon has captivated the Asian continent for thousands of years. This exhibition explores the representation of the dragon over the span of a millennium and three Asian countries. It demonstrates how the form and function of dragon imagery have drastically evolved over the centuries.
In this exhibition, we see the image of the dragon on a Japanese enamel cigarette case; a dragon intertwines itself on the base of a silver champagne holder from the Mandarin Hotel; a child’s LEGO toy is built in the form of a mythical dragon. The dragon is found on a household trivet from China and even on postage stamps.
Accessibility
The Heritage Museum of Asian Art’s Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance: Studio Arts Program
2024-02-10 10:30 - 14:30
El Rinconcito is a free open art space for creative expression for people ages 12-25. You can meet people like you who are interested in arts, painting, drawing, printmaking, and others. El Riconcito provides a safe and welcoming studio for art making. An artist and a counselor in the studio can guide you in creative experiences, but you can opt to do your own artwork.
Join us! We provide the art supplies, and you bring your creativity.

Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen
2024-02-10 10:30 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Date:
Start
Saturday, January 06, 2024
Time:
Location:
Location
DANK Haus Room 206, 2nd Floor

KINO, KAFFEE UND KUCHEN
Saturdays at the DANK Haus in Room 206
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Kaffee und Kuchen
11:00 – 12:00 PM | Vorfilm
12:00 PM | Feature Film Begins

Join us each Saturday at the DANK Haus in Fall, Winter, and Spring for Kaffee, Kuchen, und Kino. Each week guests will choose the film they want to watch
DANK Members: $5 | Non-Members: $7

DIY Valentines: A Maker Event
2024-02-10 10:00 - 12:30 | Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Join us and the Chicago Calligraphy Collective for an interactive and family-friendly Valentine’s Day-themed maker event.

Scottish American History Forum
2024-02-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Chicago Scots, 2800 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL, 60546, United States
Date: February 10 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location:

Topic: The Burning Land: One Family’s Passage Through the Civil War and into the West
Speaker: David O. Stewart, Historian and Author of George Washington, The Summer of 1787, Impeached, Madison’s Gift, American Emperor and others.
Register Now

The Great LEGO Mystery Adult Night at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
2024-02-09 19:00 - 22:00 | LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N Martingale Road Suite 130, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 601 N Martingale Road Suite 130, Schaumburg, 60173
Calling all Adult Fans of LEGO!
Experience a mystery-themed Adult Night Friday, February 9th from 7pm – 10pm in the attraction filled with clues, suspects and red herrings galore! Enjoy the 4D Theater, rides, and explore the attraction kid free.
The Great LEGO Mystery Adult Night Includes:
– Enjoy access to the Center including our themed build stations, MINILAND Chicago, Kingdom Quest, 4D Cinema and more!
– Help solve the Great LEGO Mystery! Find hidden clues and work to find out who broke the LEGO model!
– And more!
Buy your tickets now to guarantee your entry! Guests must be 18+ to enter Adult Night.

“Year of the Dragon: Early China to LEGO” – Exhibition Preview Reception
2024-02-09 18:00 - 20:30 | 3500 S Morgan Street, 3500 S Morgan St 3F, Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Join us and be part of the celebration for our Lunar New Year Exhibition – Year of Dragon: Early China to LEGO!
Attendees will have early access to our exhibition while enjoying an original performance choreographed by the dancer and multidisciplinary artist Irene Hsiao. Wine and appetizers will be served. LIMITED to 100 Spots.
Time and location: 6:00 – 8:30 PM, Fri, Feb 9th, 2024, Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Admission: Members – Free | Non-Members – $25
About the Exhibition:
The dragon has captivated the Asian continent for thousands of years. This exhibition explores the representation of the dragon over the span of a millennium and three Asian countries. It demonstrates how the form and function of dragon imagery have drastically evolved over the centuries.
In this exhibition, we see the image of the dragon on a Japanese enamel cigarette case; a dragon intertwines itself on the base of a silver champagne holder from the Mandarin Hotel; a child’s LEGO toy is built in the form of a mythical dragon. The dragon is found on a household trivet from China and even on postage stamps.
About the Performance:
Heritage Museum of Asian Art is collaborating with our 2024 Resident Artist Irene Hsiao to create a new interactive installation and performance series called If the Sky Could Dream. Coinciding with the Lunar Year of the Dragon, the museum will showcase dragon artworks from throughout Asia, as well as include an original, contemporary vision of the dragon from an Asian American perspective by Hsiao.
IF THE SKY COULD DREAM focuses on the Chinese dragon as a powerful being that fosters harmony. The dragon is emblematic of China and also a mythological being for many Asian and Western cultures. The dragon thus evokes a sense of mysticism, power, and intrigue in many communities. Because the Chinese dragon is a water deity, the installation inside the museum will incorporate images and projections of water, weather, and local bodies of water, including the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
If The Sky Could Dream is supported, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant
Accessibility
The Heritage Museum of Asian Art’s Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.

Valentine's Day Card Making
2024-02-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Join us to make a handmade Valentine for someone special on your lunch break, Thursday, February 9 from noon to 2 PM. Stop by the CAC Design Studio to create a one-of-a-kind card that will make anyone feel extra special this Valentine’s Day.
CAC’s love for the folks of 111 Illinois Center is ‘designed’ to bring the community together. Join us to make a handmade Valentine for someone special on your lunch break, Thursday, February 9 from noon to 2 P.M. Stop by the CAC Design Studio to create a one-of-a-kind card that will make anyone feel extra special this Valentine’s Day. Using the design process, learn basic techniques like cutting out hearts, creating a basic pop-out element, and more to wow your recipients.

BRAND-NEW LEGO NINJAGO Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
2024-02-09 10:00 - 2024-03-10 17:00 | LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N Martingale Road Suite 130, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 601 N Martingale Road Suite 130, Schaumburg, 60173
Find your ‘Dragon Power!’
Families can become Spinjitzu masters with powered-up activities, experiences and LEGO builds during the all-new LEGO NINJAGO Dragon’s Rising Event happening February 9 – March 10, 2024!
Activities & Experiences Include:
Build the baby dragon Riyu in the Master Builder Academy and see what baby Riyu sparks in you
Collect limited edition dragon power pop badges and stickers and touch a plasma ball to spark your dragon energy
The Ninja’s have been separated from each other in MINILAND – search for them to bring them back together
Join an epic dance party at the Crossroads Carnival
And More!

UIC Black Cultural Center: Black Heritage Month⁠ African Americans and the Arts
2024-02-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-07 15:30 - 16:30
Homes Away From Home: Black Students’ Activism and Belonging at U of I
Thursday, February 1st
Bus Departs: 12 pm Bus Returns: by 12 am
Sign up: https://go.uic.edu/homeaway
This is a FREE trip to the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) to learn more about our Cultural Centers, connect with students from UIS and the University of Illinois of Urbana Champaign (UIUC), and discuss the Black experience within the University of Illinois system. There will be an exhibit showing, panel, lunch and dinner.
Round trip bus transportation to the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield will be provided. The bus will be leaving from Student Center East (SCE) at 12 PM and returning by 12 AM. Excusal letters for courses on this day will be provided.
Seating is reserved for the first 25 students who sign up.
Art Moves: The Chicago Footwork Experience! Lecture, Performance, and Dance Workshop
Wednesday, February 7th
Lecture- BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Performance/Workshop- Student Center East (SCE) Illinois C. 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Explore the history, politics, and Afro-Diasporic spiritual roots of Chicago footwork. Footwork is an embodied and creative form of resistance to state-sanctioned violence and environmental racism. Following the lecture and performance, dancers will teach the foundational moves of Chicago Footwork, culminating in a full routine.
What’s Going On? The Healing Power of Creativity
Friday, February 9th
BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 10 AM-11 AM
Creativity is essential for emotional and mental well-being. Join us as we reduce stress through collaging, coloring, bracelet-making, and writing. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided.
Black Table Talk: Love in the Arts
Wednesday, February 14th
BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 12 PM-1 PM
Join our conversation! We will discuss how “Black Love” is portrayed in the arts and popular culture.
Art Moves: Open Mic
Thursday, February 15th
BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 6:30 PM-9 PM
Come out for a night of music and spoken word! Hosted by UIC’s very own DJ John West!
Tracing Our Path Through Bronzeville. A film screening and discussion
Thursday, February 22nd
BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 6 PM-8 PM
This documentary by Reginald J. Rice highlights the contributions of various cultural institutions in Bronzeville. Local Chicago artists will be featured and present for the discussion.
Film description: he Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago has been a creative hub that cultivated the artistry of some of the most influential artists and authors of the twentieth century. To name a few, Margaret Burroughs, Richard Wright, William Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, and members from AfriCOBRA have all established a creative foundation in Bronzeville. Nevertheless, the significance of their contribution is not only the artwork they produced, but also the aesthetic tradition that they established. This aesthetic tradition was founded to reframe the fraudulent historical narrative of African Americans. Today, there are a number of artists who are following this aesthetic tradition. This documentary will introduce its audience to the cultural traditions that emerged from the Bronzeville community. This tradition challenged the status quo through activism, visual arts, literature, and academic research.Tracing Our Path Through Bronzeville will highlight the contributions of various cultural institutions in Bronzeville, and contemporary African American artists that attempted to redefine the image and voice of black culture. This documentary will generate a new perspective on the significance of the cultural legacy of African American art from the perspective of artists who have exhibited their paintings in the Bronzeville art galleries.
Black Table Talk: Visualizing Black Culture
Wednesday, February 28th
BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 12 PM- 1 PM
Join our conversation! Images of Blacks in photography have a profound impact on how we interpret black experiences and identities. We will be exploring the power of Black visual imagery through the camera lens.
Art Moves: Can You Feel It? Celebrating 40 years of House Music
Thursday, February 29th
BCC Gallery, Addams Hall 207. 6:30 PM-9 PM
Come and celebrate the history and worldwide impact of Chicago’s own House Music with DJ John West.
UPCOMING EVENTS

Andersonville's Fika Fest
2024-02-09 - 2024-02-11
Join as we and other Andersonville businesses unite for food, warm beverages and shopping (packaged coffee in our Store will be 15% off!). There will be fun ways to become better acquainted with the Museum and Swedish culture! We’ll have a pop-up cafe, traditional Fika-inspired treats for the Coffee and Cocoa Crawl, and we’ll be hosting the Andersonville puzzle exchange. We hope to see you for this fun winter activity! You can view additional information on the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce website.

The Museum at Andersonville Fika Fest
2024-02-09 - 2024-02-11 | Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Join as we and other Andersonville businesses unite for food, warm beverages and shopping (coffee grounds in our Store will be 15% off!). There will be fun ways to become better acquainted with the Museum and Swedish culture! We’ll have a popup cafe, treats for the Coffee and Cocoa Crawl, and we’ll be hosting the Andersonville puzzle exchange. We hope to see you for this fun winter activity!
POP-UP CAFÉ
Friday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
COFFEE AND COCOA CRAWL
Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
As part of Andersonville’s Fika Fest, the Coffee and Cocoa Crawl invites visitors to indulge in cozy beverages along a fun Andersonville route. Try special cocoa and a delicious treat from the Swedish American Museum, along with offerings from nearby locations. Check in begins at 9 a.m. at the Museum. Purchase tickets here.
PUZZLE EXCHANGE
Sunday, Feb. 11

Neighborhood Nights
2024-02-08 19:00 - 23:00 | DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
Date:
Start
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time:
Location:
Location
DANK Haus, 6th Floor Skyline Lounge

enjoy a beverage with a spectacular EXPERIENCE in our haus
A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum
WHEN
Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.
Location
Winter months – Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)
Summer/Fall months – Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)
Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

"Unearth" at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art
2024-02-07 11:00 - 2024-03-10 17:00 | Cleve Clarney Museum of Art, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL, 60137
“Unearth” is on display now through March 10 at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, featuring three Chicago-based painters who find beauty and meaning in everyday urban scenes, drawing back to the tradition of early 20th century painters.

Karen Perl, Emily Rapport and Gwendolyn Zabicki similarly capture the buildings, streets, neighborhoods and casual interactions that make up the backdrop of everyday, urban life and reflect on how we live, while echoing the Chicago community’s history. Each featured artist delves into perceived reality to unearth a moment or interaction that, when painted, reveals an intensely present experience. Pieces including Perl’s “5400 N. Clark,” Zabicki’s “Man Watching Baseball” and Rapaport’s “Damen Ave Nocturne.”

Entry to the museum is free and visiting hours are 11am – 5p on Wednesdays – Sundays.

Architecture & Design Film Festival
2024-02-04 14:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-03 13:00 - 22:00 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

“Nan San” Exhibition at the Haitian American Museum
2024-02-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Haitian American Museum of Chicago, 4410 N Clark St, Chicago, 60640, United States
We are happy to announce our very own first Father – Daughters exhibition “Nan San” opening this Saturday 3-5pm.
Come see contemporary paintings, drawings as well as sculptural works and join us for an artist talk with the exhibition‘s artists. Looking forward to see you there !

The Making of Mahalia Jackson Court Screening & Talk Back
2024-02-03 15:00 - 15:30 | Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
The Making of Mahalia Jackson Court (2023) / US
Director: Christopher Hoerdemann
Runtime: 9:48
Architects, artists, craftspeople, and community stakeholders work together to rapidly transform a vacant lot on the South Side of Chicago into a vibrant community gathering space.
On Saturday, 2/3 at 3 PM there will be a special free screening of The Making of Mahalia Jackson Court followed by a talk-back and audience Q&A with Gerald Griffin (sculptor, Bordeau Griffin Design Center), Mark Sexton (Founding Partner, Krueck Sexton Partners), and Nedra Sims Fears (Executive Director, Greater Chatham Initiative) about their work on the project and plans for its future of the space.

Art Smart Series: Black Women in Clay: Legacies and New Directions
2024-02-03 13:00 - 15:00

Bronzeville in Reel Time with South Side Home Movie Project
2024-02-03 13:00 - 15:00 | South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
In partnership with South Side Home Movie Project, with support from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation and University of Chicago’s Arts and Public Life, SSCAC is thrilled to host a special screening showcasing select cinema reels of Ramon Williams! Ramon Williams, Black IBEW electrician and film hobbyist, was an early adopter of amateur filmmaking and invested in documenting the Bronzeville community in which he lived — filming major Bronzeville social and civic events between the 1940s and 1960s.
We’re honored to show a selection of these films during Black History Month, to highlight Ramon Williams’s commitment to documenting Black life on the South Side, and the lasting legacy of Black cinema’s power to visualize Black life in real time.
We’ll be joined by SSHMP Assistant Director, Saroop Singh (fka Justin Williams), Bronzeville Historical Society President Sherry Williams, and PhD student in Cinema and Media Studies at UChicago, Avery LaFlamme for a live dialogue about Ramon’s cinema work and legacy in the Bronzeville community.
Donated to South Side Home Movie Project in 2020, the Ramon Williams Collection encompasses 302 film reels, their largest donation yet, representing never-before-seen visual records of Bronzeville authored by one of its few citizens with a movie camera! What was Black social life like during that time? How did Black folks present and fashion themselves? What were significant events that took place in the Bronzeville community? We hope you’ll join us to find out!
SSHMP presents a uniquely successful model for encouraging local residents to recognize the value of their personal archives, to preserve original film prints in optimal conditions, and to digitize home movies for public access, creative projects and scholarly research. Their film vault currently houses over 600 film reels (8mm, Super 8, 16mm) from 33 South Side families. The Project offers a robust line-up of public programs that invite students, neighbors, artists and partner organizations to explore and activate the archive in imaginative new ways.
This program is generously supported by Arts and Public Life at the University of Chicago and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation
