The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago Town Hall

The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago will host a FREE Town Hall discussion:

“Chicago’s Black Arts Organizations...What We Can Do”

presented in Association with Goodman Theater’s 100 Free Acts of Theatre

Monday, February 9, 2026 at Black Ensemble Theater

(A Discussion About How We Can Help Secure the Future of Chicago’s Treasured Arts Organizations)

FREE ADMISSION - With a Light Reception to Follow

Get ready for an evening of inspiration, conversation, and community! Join BACA and an amazing lineup of Chicago's artistic legends on February 9th as we discuss how to protect and strengthen our arts ecosystem. Free admission, complimentary reception, and the chance to be part of something important. Let's do this, Chicago!

Moderated by Amina Dickerson, Chicago professionals, representing the spectrum of artistic disciplines, including theatre, dance, music, film, visual and literary arts will be on hand to remind us of the richness and national renown of Chicago’s artistic organizations. They will also

discuss the pressing challenges faced by Black Art Organizations, artists, and arts groups, notably in funding, audience support, stewardship and development of talent pipelines.

As Moderator, Dickerson will call upon her 35-year career, with senior leadership roles in the non-profit, arts, corporate and philanthropy sectors to guide the discussion of the role and current status of Black Arts. She is joined by a distinguished panel that includes:

• Award Winning Female Vocalist - Lucy Smith

• Vocals, Woodwinds, and Percussions Musician - Shawn Wallace

• Theatre Director - Ron OJ Parson

• Visual Artists and Gallery Owners - Andre and Francis Guichard

• Emmy-Nominated and Founder of Black Film Magazine Creative Cypher - Troy Pryor

• Joel Hall Dancers & Center Executive Director - Joseph Pindelski

As we watch national funding for the arts (and especially the minority arts) being reduced, demeaned, ignored, and almost erased, and following BACA’s mission and purpose, “to increase interaction, communication and development of black arts organizations and artists, while delivering programs that increase their visibility, marketability, stability, and sustainability”, Town Halls and Panel Discussions, like this one, must be scheduled and we attend to support Chicago’s Arts Organizations, and in turn, our Artists.