CHICAGO, IL ( September 5, 2019 ) — What happens when you bring over 30 cultural institutions together to produce programming throughout the city and suburbs? The Chicago Cultural Alliance ( CCA ) is just less than a month away from its second Inherit Chicago festival, where cultural institutions throughout Chicagoland neighborhoods will collaborate to bridge differences and build cultural understanding across geography, experience and background. In the inaugural year, the festival engaged 10,000 Chicagoans in experiencing new cultural offerings in the neighborhoods.
Inherit Chicago kicks off September 29th with World Dumpling Fest at Navy Pier, in collaboration with the World Music Festival produced by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events from 12:00pm-7:00pm at Navy Pier's Polk Bros Fountain and Park. 20 diverse and authentic ethnic restaurants will converge to offer their cultural dumplings with over 30 different varieties. Dumpling offerings include classic Chinese dumplings, tea-soaked duck dumplings, and impossible dumplings from Big Wang's Chinese Street Food, samosas from Bombay Wraps, dumpling soup and Haitian patties from Kizin Creole Restaurant, Puerto Rican pastelillos from Nellie's Restaurant, acarajé and risoles de palmito from Sinha Elegant Brazilian Cuisine & Catering, pork lumpia from SUBO Filipino Kitchen, spatzle from Himmel's, varenyky from Shokolad, and more. Performance, music and cultural activities will be featured across the front of Navy Pier, from Polk Bros Fountain to Polk Bros Park with full schedule details below.
Inherit Chicago then extends to the neighborhoods for 20 intercultural programs and events that span diverse topics and issues from traditional drumming as resistance to a mash-up of classical and Latin music. Inherit Chicago will offer Chicagoans and visitors a cultural journey through arts, conversation, and food in a month-long, multi-event festival happening in collaboration with 30 neighborhood-based heritage museums and cultural centers, all members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance. The full schedule and registration details are on InheritChicago.org .
"The goal of Inherit Chicago is to have a wide, inter-generational cross-section of Chicagoans visit a neighborhood and experience a cultural exchange they had little knowledge of before," says Heather Miller, Executive Director of the American Indian Center and Member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance. "In 2017, over half the people that attended Inherit Chicago events were going to a cultural museum, and a neighborhood they had never been to. We want to see more of that this year, with Chicagoans coming out to learn something new about a culture or community, and perhaps changing their perspective about what they thought they knew."
"Inherit Chicago is a festival created by the incredible cultural heritage institutions that make this city vibrant and interesting," says Emily Reusswig, Executive Director at the Chicago Cultural Alliance."At a time when immigrants' are fearful and the nation is reeling amid controversial immigration policies, native and immigrant Cultural Heritage Centers and Museums are coming together to create welcoming spaces for Chicagoans to learn and engage- promoting understanding, justice and solidarity."
Tickets for World Dumpling Fest and Inherit Chicago programs are on sale now at inheritchicago.org . The Line Up for World Dumpling Fest is as follows:
World Dumpling Fest
Presented by the Chicago Cultural Alliance in collaboration with World Music Festival, by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, City of Chicago
At Navy Pier Polk Bros Fountain & Park, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60601
September 29th, 2019 12:00-7:00PM
WORLD DUMPLING FEST RESTAURANT LINEUP: ( more to be added )
Rancho Mateo serving Empanadas- beef, chicken, hawaiano, cheese, bbq turkey, corn and cheese, sausage potatoes, guava and cheese
The Momo World serving Jhol Momo, Steam Momo
Kizin Creole Restaurant serving Dumpling soup,Haitian Patties ( beef chicken and veggie )
Sinha Elegant Brazilian Cuisine & Catering serving Acarase ( black eyed pea and shrimp fritter ) and Empanada ( filled with heart of palms and cream cheese )
Big Wang's Chinese Street Food serving a Classic Chinese Dumpling ( pork, shrimp, shiitake mushroom, garlic chives ), Tea Smoked Duck Dumpling, Impossible Dumpling ( with vegan impossible meat )
Nellie's Restaurant serving Puerto Rican Empanadas ( chicken, beef, shrimp, guava and cheese, cheese, veggie )
Subo Filipino Restaurant serving Pork Lumpia Egg Rolls
La Cebollita Grill serving various Tamales
Himmel's Restaurant serving German Spatzle, Bread Dumplings, with mushroom gravy
Himalayan Restaurant serving Chicken Momo, Vegan Momo, and Cheese Momo
Shokolad Restaurant serving various Ukrainian Varenyky
Bombay Wraps serving various Samosas, filled with potato and peas, and dipping chutney
WORLD DUMPLING FEST PERFORMANCE LINEUP:
Lake Stage Performance Schedule at Polk Bros Park
12:30PM Crossing Borders Music String Quartet & Punisa Pov
1:00PM Larry Yazzie
1:40PM Lowdown Brass Band
2:50PM PACF Performing Arts and Kulturo
3:20PM Samulnori From the Poongmul School at the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago
4:00PM Alsarah & the Nubatones
5:45PM Fidel Nadal featuring Mr. Pauer
Welcome Pavilion Stage at Polk Bros Fountain
Lithuanian Folk Dancers
Los Pleneros de Don Segundo
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Group from Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center
Cooking Demonstration from Chef Andrew Lim of Perella Korean Restaurant
INHERIT CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAMMING:
Celebrating Day of the Dead: Workshop Series
Casa Michoacan
1638 S. Blue Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608
Part 1: October 5th, 12:00-3:00pm
Part 2: October 19, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Are you afraid of the occult? Join us in our two-part series lead by a Mexican artisan and celebrate Day of the Dead while learning about why Mexicans commemorate death in this way. Part 1 consists of decorating sugar skulls and Part 2 consists of decorating Catrinas, a female representation of Death. Ticket Price: $10
Voices of the World
A collaboration of Open Center for the Arts & Chicago Public Schools
At Open Center for the Arts, 2214 S. Sacramento Ave, Chicago IL 60623
October 5th, 2019 5:00-9:00PM
Experience The "Voices of the World Project" with Open Center for The Arts. The project showcases 51 artists from 48 countries who have created posters that interpret what "We are all Migrants" means. Take a tour of the Little Village neighborhood where many of the posters are exhibited. After the tour, join community residents in a conversation about their experience of migration from Mexico to Chicago. Admission: Free
Reawakening Vision: Photography by Dorrell Creightney
A collaboration of The Swedish American Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, and Creightney Photography
At Swedish American Museum, 5211 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
October 6th, 2019 4:00-6:00PM
At DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 East 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637
October 24th, 2019 6:00-8:00PM
The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Swedish American Museum in collaboration with Vanessa Stokes, daughter of photographer Dorrell Creightney, will host a discussion and unfurling of visual culture. Creightney spent years in Stockholm, Sweden capturing images of musicians, artists, activists, and the everyday. His life and career as a photographer opens a conversation about Blacks of the Diaspora, creatives and entrepreneurship, racial justice and cultural understanding. Admission: $5
Cambodian Music: Life and Healing
A collaboration of the National Cambodian Heritage Museum & Killing Fields Memorial and Crossing Borders Music
With 3 performances:
At Chicago Cultural Center ( 78 E Washington ), October 6th | 2:00 — 4:00PM
At National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial, ( 2831 W Lawrence Ave ) October 20th | 2:00 — 4:00PM
At the Skokie Library, ( 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL ), October 27th | 3:00-5:00PM
The National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial and Crossing Borders Music present music celebrating the living tradition of Cambodian arts in a concert for remembrance and healing. Under the Khmer Rouge, most Cambodian artists were killed. After, Cambodians made heroic efforts to find living artists to pass along the traditional art forms. This life-affirming performance will showcase National Cambodian Heritage Museum resident artist Punisa Pov, who was taught by genocide survivors, and the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet performing music performing string quartet music inspired by the traditional art forms and honoring the genocide victims. Admission: Free
Aarti Shahani: Here We Are
American Writers Museum
At the American Writers Museum, 180 North Michigan Avenue, 2nd FL, Chicago, Illinois 60601
October 9th, 2019 6:30-8:30PM
NPR Correspondent Aarti Shahani presents her new book Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares, a heartfelt memoir about the immigrant experience and coming of age in one of America's most diverse neighborhoods. This program is presented in conjunction with the American Writers Museum's special exhibit My America: Immigrant and Refugee Writers Today. Books will be sold and signed at the event. Tickets: $12
Repatriation of Cultural Patrimony
A collaboration of the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, National Hellenic Museum, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, & Chinese American Museum of Chicago
At the National Hellenic Museum, 333 South Halsted Street Chicago, Illinois 60666
October 10th, 2019 5:00-8:00PM
Demands for repatriation of lost cultural patrimony and stolen human remains make weekly headlines around the world. Join the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian and the National Hellenic Museum in deepening your understanding of the complexities of repatriation in this panel discussion. Experts will share the history, repercussions in the community, and current repatriation efforts in Indigenous communities of the US and Canada, China, Greece, and Ethiopia. The discussion will be accompanied by a photographic pop-up exhibit showing how the demands for the return of lost cultural treasures can unite ethnicities and nationalities. Tickets: $5
Journey for Justice: Untold Filipino-American History
A collaboration of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, Jane Addams Hull-House, Chicago Public Library, Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts
With 2 events:
At Jane Addams Hull-House 800 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607
October 11, 2019 5:00-8:00PM
At Budlong Woods Branch Chicago Public Library 5630 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago, Illionis 60659
October 12, 2019 1:00-4:00PM
Meet the co-author of Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong, Gayle Romasanta in this social justice driven family program. The children's book tells the story of Larry Itliong's lifelong fight for a farmworkers union, and the birth of one of the most significant American social movements of all time. The event also includes performances from Philipino American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts and food from local Filipino-American restaurants. Suggested Donation: $5
Forgotten Forms
A collaboration of Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Art & Culture
At Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60622
Opening Reception- October 11th, 2019 6:00-9:00PM, On Display until December 8th, 2019
Visit the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art for the opening reception of Forgotten Forms, a collaborative exhibition with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Investigating seemingly everyday objects to reveal a much greater story about neighborhood identity, placemaking and city life, the exhibition highlights the work of two emerging artists, both of whom explore structural elements of urban landscapes. Edra Soto revisits Puerto Rico's vernacular architecture through her GRAFT installations and architectural interventions, and Yhelena Hall touches on the history of Chicago and explores a marginal state of detritus becoming artifacts through her series Polished Remnants. Tickets: $5
Cricket Mela: An Indo-American Tradition
A collaboration of National Indo-American Museum & Midwest Cricket Association
Check Website for Updates on Location
October 12th, 2019 11:00AM-4:00PM
Join the National Indo-American Museum and the Midwest Cricket Association for an Indo-American tradition, Cricket. The Cricket Mela is an initiative from the National Indo-American Museum toward harboring diversity through a fun, family event for all to enjoy. While also enjoying a game played by professional cricket players, the event will introduce people to the rules of the game and the culture around it. Suggested Donation: $5
A Culinary Journey: Discover How Chinese Workers Helped Build the Railroad
A collaboration of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, Chinese American Service League and Project Vision
At Chinese American Museum of Chicago, 238 W 23rd St, Chicago, IL 60616
October 12th, 2019 2:00-4:00PM
Join the Chinese American Museum of Chicago for a journey back to how the Chinese built the railroad! In this interactive sensory program, learn about the healthy habits of Chinese workers who built the first transcontinental railroad system. Enjoy the food of the health-conscious railroad workers through a cooking demonstration from Chef Don B. Lee. The food will also be paired with different types of Chinese tea. Tickets: $5
Classical Music Meets Latin Rhythms
A collaboration of Dominican American Midwest Association, The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, & El Ministro de Cultura Republica Dominicana, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
At the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301
October 18th, 2019 7:30-9:00PM
Join the Dominican American Midwest Association and Puerto Rican Arts Alliance for a fusion of classical music and Latin rhythms with internationally renowned Dominican-Pakistani violinist Aisha Syed-Castro. The performance also features Polish pianist Martin Labazevitch, with compositions by Dominican Rafael Solano, Argentinians Astor Piazzola and Carlos Gardel, Spanish Enrique Granados, and African-American William Grant Still. You won't want to miss this cultural music mashup! Tickets: $45
Indigenous Dance Celebration
A collaboration of Trickster Art Gallery, Philippine American Cultural Foundation, Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, Aztec Dance Chicago, and the Maori Dancers
At Trickster Art Gallery, 190 South Roselle Rd. Schaumburg IL 60193
October 19th, 2019 2:00-5:00PM
Celebrate traditional dances and enjoy the beautiful regalia from the native communities of the Trickster Art Gallery, along with other ingenious dancers from the Filipino, Japanese, Aztec and Maori communities. The audience will be invited to participate in the fun as well! Learn about the contemporary uses of the dances and the historical significance of their traditional clothing. Tickets: $5
Youth Fine Art & Music Competition
Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation
At the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation, 4343 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
October 13th, 2019 3:00-6:00PM
Join the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation for an interactive Youth Fine Art & Music Competition where the audience members are encouraged to participate as judges! The competition will be followed by Youth Music Class Performance and a Professional Recital. Cocktails and Appetizers will be served. Tickets: $10
Englewood Peace Circle
A collaboration of Bronzeville Historical Society with Community Leaders & Activists
At Peace Park, 550 West Englewood Ave. Chicago, IL 60621
October 17th, 2019 6:00-8:00PM
Participate in the Peace Circle gathering as volunteers and community builders activate a vacant lot in Englewood transforming it into a space for dialogue about trauma and healing. All ages are welcome to join in the drumming, libations, and appreciation of the elders, veterans, and ALL who call Englewood Home. Admission: Free
Cazele: The Story of a Haitian-Polish Community in Haiti
A collaboration of Haitian American Museum of Chicago and the Polish Museum of America
At the Polish Museum of America, 984 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
October 18th, 2019, 6:00-8:00PM
Watch the premiere of a short documentary, produced collaboratively by the Haitian American Museum of Chicago and the Polish Museum of America, about the Cazele Massacre in Haiti. The documentary tells the story of the city of Cazele and its Haitian-Polish community's struggle under a dictator's reign. Hear from an expert panel featuring Haitian and Polish historians about how these events brought together the Haitian and Polish communities in a fight for independence. Tickets: $5
Words, Poems, and Music of Resilience
A collaboration of Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and Muslim American Leadership Alliance
At Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, 4048 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
October 25th, 2019, 6:00-8:00PM
Participate in an Open Mic Night with Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and the Muslim American Leadership Alliance. Performances will promote tolerance, cultural understanding, equality and justice through the lens of the Afro-Puerto Rican and Muslim American communities' history and diversity. The lineup of performers featured will include poetry, spoken word, song, music, comedy, and readings. Anyone is welcome to take the stage and join in the celebration of diversity and cultural heritage. Tickets: $10
Drumming for Resistance
A collaboration of the American Indian Center, HANA Center, & Japanese American Service Committee
At American Indian Center, 3401 W Ainslie Street Chicago, IL 60625
October 26th, 2019 5:00-8:00PM
Join the American Indian Center, HANA Center and the Japanese Service Committee for a cultural dinner and drum performance. The evening kicks off with food from the American Indian, Korean and Japanese communities and a short presentation about the importance of drums within the respective cultural communities. After dinner, all three groups will showcase their own cultural drum performance, ending with a collaborative drum piece that combines all three drum styles with audience participation. Tickets: $10
Inherit Chicago is supported by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Chicago Community Trust, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Website: www.InheritChicago.org .
Assets:
High-resolution Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vXznAZeUbLBmL7QankZbY3ye5pnYOQop?usp=sharing
B-roll/promotional video:
https://youtu.be/7IeXYxXJoQk
Press Contact: For more information and to schedule interviews with Inherit Chicago Collaborators, please contact Emily Reusswig at 312-925-5700, ereusswig@chicagoculturalalliance.org .
ABOUT CHICAGO CULTURAL ALLIANCE
The Chicago Cultural Alliance is the only organization of its kind in the US, representing 41 Chicago-area heritage museums, cultural centers, and historical societies - our Core Members, and 19 Partners, a wide range of civic and arts organizations. Our mission is to connect, promote and support centers of cultural heritage for a more inclusive and culturally vibrant region.
Core Members serve 29 ethnic populations ranging from 3,000 to 1 million, located in 24 neighborhoods spanning the city and 7 suburbs. Nearly 60% of Core Members are anchors for immigrant populations. The Alliance's programming and services celebrate diversity, preserve history, and honor tradition while amplifying intercultural collaboration.
The Alliance offerings include large-scale collaborative programming that showcases Core Member assets, shared services that build capacity, promotion, and networking opportunities throughout the year through our member meetings and conferences.
The Alliance was formally created in 2008 after beginning at The Field Museum as the Cultural Connections program from 1998-2006.
More information is available at www.ChicagoCulturalAlliance.org .
—From a press release
