Deepening Connections with Local and Distant Communities

FAIN: ZPP-283842-22

Chicago Architecture Foundation (Chicago, IL 60604-2505)
Nicole Kowrach (Project Director: May 2021 to present)
Juanna Blackwell (Co Project Director: April 2022 to present)

An architecture festival, education programs, and upgrades to digital technology.

Design is a powerful tool that can be used both unite and divide, and Chicago’s history demonstrates both. Through the thoughtful exploration of Chicago’s neighborhoods the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) uncovers our country’s persistent – if at times tenuous – progression toward a “more perfect union.” We will do so through two critical strategies: 1. Expanding the Narrative: In addition to surviving the pandemic, people across the country witnessed enormous unrest and growing concern over race relations. These experiences accelerated CAC’s ongoing focus on developing a significantly more inclusive approach to the stories we tell and the perspectives we share. 2. Optimizing the Use of Digital Technology: The past year offered unprecedented opportunity for exploring how CAC could use digital tools to deepen connections with our audiences. To continue to serve our audiences through a hybrid model of programming, CAC must invest in major upgrades to our digital infrastructure.