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ARTS COUNCIL PROGRAMS
The Cultural Arts Division of the City of Evanston is the foundation of the city’s vibrant arts community. An abundance of professional symphonies, chamber ensembles and theatre companies consider Evanston their home while numerous exhibition spaces and galleries are located throughout the city. Lliterary happenings and music celebrations also take place in Evanston. The Cultural Arts Division and the Arts Council support arts organizations and individual artists of every discipline through the programs described below.
First presented in 1985, this festival is a two-day celebration of cultural diversity and presents the best in ethnic art, food and performance. Over 65 cultures are represented each year on the third weekend in July. The festival incorporates approximately 120 artist exhibitors, 20 food vendors, family art activities, a poetry/storytelling tent and two stages of continuous entertainment with performances of ethnic music and dance. Attendance is generally between 22,000-25,000 people annually from a broad geographical area.
During June, July and August, the Cultural Arts Division presents a wide variety of music and performance styles at 14 free concerts: six concerts are held on Thursdays at James Park, starting in mid-June; six concerts are held on Tuesdays at Dawes Park along the lakefront, starting in mid-July, and two concerts will be held in Twiggs Park. More than 6,000 people attended last year’s series, which presented everything from Cajun to classical music.
Lakeshore Arts FestivalFirst presented in 1972, the festival features outstanding fine arts. Each year on the first weekend in August, 125 juried artists from across the country exhibit ceramics, sculpture, textiles, paintings, jewelry, watercolors, photography, glass and woodwork of the highest quality. Many exhibitors donate original works to be sold at the festival’s auction.
Revived in 2001, this citywide celebration of art and culture features every discipline. From a sold-out dance showcase at the Levy Center; to a legislative breakfast with Evanston’s state and federal legislators; to concerts, workshops and tours; the City turns its spotlight on the truly rich variety of arts produced and housed in Evanston. More than 5,000 people attended events throughout the city during last year’s Arts Week in Evanston celebration.
Home to 26 individual artists and arts organizations, as well as the city’s Cultural Arts staff, the center is managed by the Cultural Arts Division director, Jeff Cory. Prospective tenants must conform to written guidelines approved by the City Council. Applications are processed by the Cultural Arts Division and then forwarded to the Arts Council for its approval. Final approval of leases is made by the City Council.
Community Service
Each Noyes Cultural Arts Center resident artist must perform community service equal to 15 percent of the value of their lease. Guidelines are in place to define what constitutes community service and what kinds of programs will be considered as fulfilling this requirement. The role of the Arts Council is to attend community service programs to evaluate their quality and conformity to the originally-proposed program.
Each year, approximately $35,000 is granted to Evanston artists, arts organizations and service organizations for arts programming in the community. Council members initiate and recommend revisions and changes to the grant guidelines, coordinate the planning of an informational grant workshop with Cultural Arts Division staff, review letters of intent, facilitate panel reviews of grants and approve distribution of funds to grantees.
Public Art
Under the leadership for the mayor-appointed Public Art Committee, a subcommittee of the Arts Council, this program oversees the selection and installation of all public artworks in Evanston. A liaison from the Council attends all public art committee meetings.
Arts Camp
Developed and administrated by the Cultural Arts Division staff, the arts camp program serves approximately 500 youth ages 6 to 15. The focus of the curriculum is on student-directed, hands-on arts activities. Arts camp activities are also offered during school holiday breaks and an after-school program is being considered.
Noyes Gallery
The gallery hosts eight theme-based exhibits per year showcasing emerging artists. Barbara Goldsmith and Chie Curley curate the gallery, which is located on the first and second floors of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. Evanston Arts Council members are not involved with this program.
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