Digital Transformation of CAC to Survive and Thrive in a Post-COVID reality

FAIN: GA-274716-20

Chicago Architecture Foundation (Chicago, IL 60604-2505)
Michael Wood (Project Director: May 2020 to September 2024)

The retention of seventeen staff members to expand the virtual architecture tour program and the creation of online lectures.

The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged museums to think creatively about the way we engage our audiences. The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) quickly introduced new approaches to digitally serving and engaging its audiences, and must now plan for the post-outbreak reality. To this end, CAC proposes a comprehensive plan to digitally transform our work. Over the next 6 months, the CAC will continue to re-calibrate its model for engaging audiences, developing and producing digital tours, programs, lectures, and events. Our proposal covers three principal activities: 1. Expand our existing architecture tour program to include a large virtual component for remote audiences. 2. Develop an app for our popular Open House Chicago program, which will allow us to adapt the festival during this crisis. 3. Create a comprehensive program of online lectures and classes that invite audiences into a rich discussion about architecture, and its intersection with culture and the humanities.