AP Feature Story
Chicago, IL August 28 -- What do abstract photographic images, "The Pajama Game," a ritual amulet from Iran, Latin American electronic music and a modern dance performance have in common? They are all part of the wealth of public programming presented by Columbia College Chicago at venues in the South Loop and other locations in central Chicago.
Why does Columbia College offer so many public events? Aren't they busy enough delivering classroom lectures and giving tests?
"Because we are an arts and communications college, this is part of the 'bigger picture' of our teaching mission," explains Provost Steve Kapelke. "One of the advantages of being located in the heart of Chicago is that our students get to participate in the cultural offerings of a major city. We, in turn, are part of that cultural fabric; this is a way for us to give something back to the community."
Of Columbia's seven gallery and museum spaces, two -- the Hokin Gallery and Annex at 623 S. Wabash -- are dedicated to the exhibition of student work. The Glass Curtain Gallery and the Center for Book and Paper Arts, both at 1104 S. Wabash, have full exhibition calendars that include student, faulty, alumni and national and international professional exhibitions. The Museum of Contemporary Photography, at 600 S. Michigan, is one of only two accredited photography museums in the county.
At the Getz, New Studio and Classic Theaters on East 11th Street, students and faculty present a full season of drama, comedy, classic and musical theater. The Dance Center at 13th and Michigan offers some of the finest in professional contemporary dance. Columbia's Chicago Jazz Ensemble, presents the best in classic and contemporary jazz in concerts in and around Chicago.
Free music concerts by students and faculty are presented at the Concert Hall at 1014 S. Michigan and free poetry readings by award winning contemporary poets occur monthly at several campus locations.
Braniacs can take a stroll down to the Chicago Cultural Center on the first Thursday of each month for free "Intersections" lectures by Columbia Cultural Studies faculty -- where everything from Nigerian Rap Music to Polka and Cultural Resistance is discussed and dissected.
Columbia, always proud of the diversity in its student body, goes out of its way to celebrate diversity. The school's popular DanceAfrica Chicago series will explore the theme of "Freedom!" this year with performances at the Chicago Theater. And the school will present its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a month-long, multi-arts festival, FOCO: The Cutting Edge of Latino Pop, beginning October 1. The festival will showcase the experimental in Latin and Latin American visual arts, music and cinema.
"We are having a great time making art, celebrating life and culture and creativity here at Columbia," says Mark Lloyd, assistant vice president for marketing and communications. "What a great way to live. We hope that our neighbors, as well as visitors to Chicago, take advantage of all this bounty and join us for some exhibitions, performances and special events."
Visit www.colum.edu to explore Columbia College Chicago.
Media Contact: Micki Leventhal, 312-344-7383; mleventhal@colum.edu