Summer Arts Festival

Six interactive workshops were offered (see below). In each workshop, local artists instructed participants in basic art-making practices and shared some of the history of the art forms through hands-on activities. These workshops were complemented by an interactive session on family genealogical research, which introduced patrons to basic archival research processes and encouraged them to utilize materials discovered in libraries and other collections in their personal and creative works.

To reach the broadest possible audience, on July 18, 2012, the AACC invited the four dance practitioner groups who had offered workshops to perform in a Summer Arts Showcase finale. More than 100 UIC faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered in the East Campus quad for the concert. Local dancers and choreographers performed alongside more than 50 high school students, whose parents also came out to show their support. Residents from Kenwood, Edgewater, and Humboldt Park participated in the Showcase, which also included music provided by UIC Radio, live African drumming and a BBQ on the UIC quad.

Community partners included: Afterschool Matters: Camp Dee Jay, DANCE DISCOVERY- Kenwood United Church and Edgewater Presbyterian Church (Associated with Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company).

• July 11th, 2012 Diaspora Dance Series: Afro-Haitian Dance

• July 18th, 2012 Summer Arts Showcase of 250 participants (estimate)

• July 25th, 2012 Diaspora Dance Series: Chicago Style Steppin’

• August 1st, 2012 Summer Arts Festival Genealogy Workshop, in partnership with Mojo’s Pen

• August 8th, 2012 Visiting Artists’ Exhibition Series- Reception and Panel Discussion

• August 16th, 2012 Summer Arts Festival Photography Workshop, in partnership with Mojo’s Pen

An estimated 345 people participated in the 2012 Summer Arts Festival