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Chicago Community Trust Renews Grant for Chicago-based Artist Series at Governors State University Center for Performing Arts


GSU Center for Performing Arts
Governor’s State University Center for Performing Arts (Source: Facebook)

University Park, IL—(ENEWSPF)—October 16, 2017

By: Governors State University (GSU) Communications

For the seventh consecutive year, The Chicago Community Trust is supporting Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts (CPA) Made in Chicago series. The grant, awarded in the amount of $20,000, will help present and introduce some of the best Chicago artists and companies to Southland audiences.

Made in Chicago fulfills the CPA’s mission to present the finest in world-class entertainment and education to the local community at affordable prices.  Since its launch in 2011, with support from The Chicago Community Trust, Made in Chicago series has welcomed over 40 companies and 700 artists. The series is designed to introduce Southland audiences to Chicago artists and companies, to engage youth and minority populations, to increase first-time cultural attendance, and to remove pricing and racial barriers to arts attendance. All performances are $28 with discounts available for seniors, students, and groups of ten or more.

“We are proud of our long-term relationship with The Chicago Community Trust and are pleased that they have once again recognized the work of GSU and its Center for Performing Arts. Each year the Center brings some of the best of Chicago’s performing arts to the south suburbs,” said GSU President Elaine P. Maimon. “Our goal is to continue to develop new audiences for Chicago organizations while at the same time providing exceptional experiences for our GSU community members.”

This year, three collaborative projects celebrate unity through diversity with relevant topics, genres, and companies:

  • On October 7, the Stomping Grounds Festival highlighted the universality of rhythm from a variety of cultural perspectives, featuring Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Trinity Irish Dance, and Muntu Dance Theatre. This event was part of GSU’s Family and Friends Weekend, an annual event that invites the community to campus for a shared experience.
  • On October 21, MPAACT Afrikan Centered Theatre returns to GSU with Starting Over, a love story that transcends race, class, and gender identity, illuminating transgender issues with multi-generational casting.
  • April 21, 2018 brings a collaborative production by award-winning journalist Sylvia Ewing and harmonica legend Billy Branch, called The Blues Hip Hop Experience. Emphasizing Chicago’s rich musical legacy, and showing its parallels with hip-hop, this multi-generational event features a hip hop collective including Avery R. Young, Lucy Smith, FM Supreme, and more.

The 2017-18 Cultural Season is also supported by generous funders First Midwest Bank, The National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest Touring Fund, the Illinois Arts Council, as well as individual donors.

Tickets and Additional Information

Online: CenterTickets.net

By Phone: 708-235-2222

In person at the box office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL

Box office hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open to 6p.m. on Thursdays) and two hours prior to all performances.

Groups of 10 or more, students, seniors, and patrons who purchase a flex package of four or more shows are eligible for discounts.

Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484. Conveniently located off of I57 (Sauk Trail exit), the Center for Performing Arts is easily accessible from all neighboring south suburban communities. Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.

About The Chicago Community Trust

The Chicago Community Trust is a community foundation dedicated to improving our region through strategic grant making, civic engagement and inspiring philanthropy. We are here to serve the nonprofit organizations, the generous donors and the thoughtful residents who strive to make a difference, helping their bold vision create lasting community change. We work with a number of partnerships and initiatives to accomplish this work.

As businesses, local governments, and organizations strive to solve pressing challenges, the Trust brings these key actors together. Working together, we leverage collective knowledge, creativity and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone. To learn more, please visit The Trust online at www.cct.org.

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Governors State University serves 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students with degree programs that prepare them for success in business, industry, healthcare, the arts, and education. As a state university, GSU is committed to providing high-quality, accessible, and responsible higher education opportunities. GSU is located 35 miles south of Chicago in University Park, IL and committed to embracing diversity and academic excellence while transforming student passion into lifelong purpose.

Source: www.govstate.edu


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