With Coronavirus Canceling Major Events And Festivals, City Officials Grapple With How To Fund The Arts – Block Club Chicago

Mayor Lori Lightfoot argued the economic reality brought on by the pandemic forced the cuts. “What you have to understand is that [the cultural affairs department] is funded by a revenue stream: hotels and restaurants. Those revenues have just gone through the floor, so it’s not like there’s a pot of money sitting there."
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nixit
3 years ago

MacArthur Foundation has $6.5B in assets. Chicago Community Trust has $3B. McCormick and Joyce each have $1B. Maybe it’s time for those non-profits to dig into their tax-free assets and pick up the slack.

Rick
3 years ago

Lately what passes for “culture” in Chicago is dubious. Taste of Chicago, like I really want to pay $12 for an egg roll and wait in line for it behind a sweaty guy swilling beer in a tank top, then find out I’m a ticket short and have to go buy a whole sheet of tickets because they wont just sell me one ticket, and walk to a ticket booth a block away to do that. And pay $35 to park. All the while knowing my entertainment money is going to the giant corrupt slush fund called Chicago. Hell no.… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Rick
Bill Jackson
3 years ago
Reply to  Rick

Rick:

I find it hard to believe that anyone would want to pass up such socially significant events!

Why not just raise the taxes and see what happens?

Phil Hardasty
3 years ago

.”Needs to find …” $16 million when the venues are shut down by government fiat. Mark Kelly, who seems to be a likable experienced guy with a career in educational administration, is taking down about $160K per year plus benefits. The “bare bones” budget will certainly cover that and a lot of other folks who will likely be sitting on their hands for another year under the Illinois rule: where people are furloughed with full salary and benefits. The mayor’s cuts are for events that probably won’t be held due to the virus. With due respect, what is it about… Read more »

The True Believer
3 years ago
Reply to  Phil Hardasty

Kelly needs to go he’s a zero.

Lyn P
3 years ago

This gremlin is ruining the city single-handedly. Or, perhaps single-hoofedly.

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