Arts in Sacred Spaces

Building New Partnerships Between Artists and Faith Community Institutions

The City of Evanston, in partnership with artist and consultant Gaozhe Max Li and Juelle Daley, Arts & Cultural Engagement Specialist, is launching Arts in Sacred Spaces: a pilot initiative exploring how houses of worship can become active partners in Evanston's cultural life.

Building on earlier work between the City and Partners for Sacred Places, this initiative responds to two growing needs: artists and cultural organizations continue to face limited access to affordable places to create, gather, and share their work, while many congregations are seeking new ways to engage their neighborhoods and activate their existing spaces.

Rather than simply matching artists with available rooms, Arts in Sacred Spaces asks a broader question: How can houses of worship confidently and responsibly work with artists in ways that are respectful, sustainable, and community-centered?

This initial phase of the initiative will gauge public interest and identify a small cohort of houses of worship to pilot the program. Participating congregations will benefit from a robust capacity-building program designed to support long-term success through:

Peer learning
Workshops
Practical tools
Collaborative planning
Cultural pilot projects

Together, these resources will help support and sustain long-term partnerships between artists and houses of worship.

Help Shape the Future of Arts in Sacred Spaces

Are you a house of worship in Evanston? Or an artist or cultural practitioner? We have developed two separate surveys for these groups.

The survey takes 10 minutes or less to complete. Participants will receive updates about future informational sessions and opportunities to take part in the inaugural cohort.

Last day to complete the survey: August 22, 2026

Artists & Arts Organizations Houses of Worship

Have Questions?

Juelle Daley
Arts & Cultural Engagement Specialist | Economic Development
City of Evanston
jdaley@cityofevanston.org
847-424-5416

Gaozhe Max Li
Consultant, Arts in Sacred Spaces
maxli@bighousestudio.com
619-792-8171

FAQs

Do I need to commit to hosting programming to participate?

No. This initial phase is exploratory and focused on listening, relationship-building, and assessing interest. Expressing interest does not commit your organization to participating in future programming.

Who can participate in this initial phase?

The pilot is centered on houses of worship, while also welcoming input from artists, cultural stakeholders, community partners, and other organizations interested in the conversation.

Can artists and cultural practitioners participate directly in this initial phase?

Yes. Artists, curators, educators, producers, and other cultural practitioners are encouraged to share their interest and perspectives as the pilot takes shape.

What kinds of cultural activities are being considered?

Potential activities may include exhibitions, performances, workshops, artist residencies, storytelling gatherings, educational programs, cultural conversations, and other forms of community-centered engagement. Any future programming will be shaped collaboratively with participating institutions and artists.

Who is leading this initiative?

Arts in Sacred Spaces is a City of Evanston pilot initiative led through the Department of Economic Development, with consultant Gaozhe Max Li supporting research, stakeholder engagement, and pilot framework development in collaboration with Juelle Daley, Arts & Cultural Engagement Specialist for the City.

Is funding available?

This pilot is currently focused on exploration, feasibility assessment, and relationship-building. Any future programming support, pilot funding opportunities, or implementation resources will be shared as the initiative develops.

How will participants be selected?

The City will review survey responses, stakeholder conversations, and institutional readiness to help shape the pilot cohort. Selection may consider factors such as mission alignment, community interest, infrastructure readiness, leadership capacity, and the potential for thoughtful collaboration.

How many institutions will be selected for the pilot?

The initial pilot phase aims to identify a small cohort of approximately five participating institutions to explore the model together.

What does "cohort" mean in this initiative?

Rather than functioning as isolated sites, participating institutions and practitioners will be invited to engage as part of a shared learning and collaboration cohort. This approach encourages mutual support, shared visibility, and collective development within Evanston's broader cultural ecosystem.

Is this a venue rental program?

No. Arts in Sacred Spaces is not a venue marketplace or commercial rental matching program. The initiative is focused on building thoughtful civic-cultural partnerships rooted in stewardship, mission alignment, and community value.

When will the pilot begin?

The current phase is focused on outreach, listening, and pilot design. Additional timeline details and next steps will be shared with participants as the initiative develops.

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Arts in Sacred Spaces

Building New Partnerships Between Artists and Faith Community Institutions

Help Shape the Future of Arts in Sacred Spaces

Have Questions?