Creative Chicago Survey- Deadline This Friday, February 25

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is conducting a survey of a all artists living in Chicago, with the deadline to submit a week away.

I’m not going to try to paraphrase what is already well written from them:

Sponsored by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), all creative practitioners who live and work in Chicago are asked to take it to describe who they are and what they need to thrive, including specific space and business assistance information. This information will help the City determine policies and programs to support the Creative Sector, and be shared with interested organizations, research and advocacy efforts. The Creative Chicago Survey is unique because it invites the creative community to opt-in and define itself, rather than working from a pre-determined list. To have the greatest impact, our goal is to hear from all creative people who live and/or work in Chicago.

The last line is the most important. For ‘creatives’ of color and our perspective to be represented, we must participate. I completed it yesterday; it is a well-rounded survey that doesn’t take too long to complete.

Who is a creative? Again, from their words:


Every person who engages in a creative practice as their job 
or their hobby is considered "a creative".... Professional or amateur artists, musicians, dancers and designers, crafters and cooks, your grandmother who quilts, your neighbor in the church choir, architects, arts administrators, teachers and students...

Take the survey and pass the word! Deadline is this Friday, February 25, 2011.