art in action 2009

coming may 23rd

Art in Action is an annual event, now in its fourth year, that brings together a diverse group of students and local residents to plan a day-long celebration of art, music, and community. Last year the event was hosted by 1st Presbyterian Church in Woodlawn, and over 400 people attended. The founding ideal of AiA is that art itself can be a form of activism: one that breaks down barriers, forms relationships and raises consciousness. The event is completely free, and has in the past included a huge diversity of musical acts, art projects, political discussions and children's activities.

AiA is planned and run by a team of volunteers drawn from the communities of Hyde Park, Woodlawn, Kenwood, and the broader southside. AiA was started as a collaboration between two organizations - the Southside Solidarity Network (SSN), a student group at the University of Chicago, and Southside Together Organizing for Power (STOP), a Woodlawn-based community-organizing group - but in recent years the planning committee has included a wide range of members from a variety of different backgrounds. AiA is based on the principle that diversity is something to be celebrated, so anyone and everyone is welcome to get involved.

Last year's AiA featured music from rapper HB Sol, bluesman Mr Shorty Mack, rock band Saturday Realism, dance group Siarre and the Reformers, and a variety of other musical styles including gospel, folk, and jazz. The popular group discussions focused on the themes of policing, hip-hop, and urban development, and the arts and crafts tables gave both adults and children the chance to cut, stick, color, and have their faces painted. All around the outside of the field, a ring of tables offered religious and political materials, free BBQ, and the chance to browse the work of local artists and artisans. This year's event is still in the planning stages, but it's likely to be bigger and better than ever before.

AiA is held every year on Memorial Day weekend. The date of this year's event will be Saturday May 23rd.

To get involved in the planning committee:

Marilee Goad (508) 265 1523

To have your band, artworks, or organization featured:

Divya Sundar (408) 406 1280

If you would be interested in providing food or sponsorship:

Alan Thomas (312) 498 6901

To get your school involved:

Aliya Bagewadi (630) 947 2963

If you are a local elected official and would like to find out more:

Deborah Taylor (773) 310 3682

For press and other inquiries:

Mark Hopwood (773) 752 9145

"Now in its third year, the event has blossomed into a full day of music, hands-on art, and community discussions ... at least for this day there were attempts to breach the wall that often separates the campus from the rest of the neighborhood."

The Chicago Weekly (05/28/08)