Community Impact
Chicago Excellence: A Cultural Experience
In alignment with the DREAM Theme of Community Impact: to catalyze more equitable and economically vibrant communities and drive shared prosperity, we plan to highlight and shine a light on local businesses, non-profits, community colleges and people that are working to advance community vibrancy and economic impact in Chicago. Throughout DREAM, there will be various special events that feature local Chicago visual and performing arts.
Chicago Cultural Excellence Events
Sponsored by: Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
Art Exhibits
Pilsen Arts & Community House Art Exhibit
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offering space and resources through exhibitions, art instruction and mentorship. We believe in fostering positive relationships with artists and community members to ensure continued growth and service in Pilsen while providing creative opportunities for all.
The Mitchell Center for the American Indian Art Exhibit
The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is one of only a handful of museums across the country that focuses exclusively on the art, history, and culture of Native American and First Nation peoples from throughout the United States and Canada. It promotes public understanding of cultural diversity through first voice perspectives.
Since its founding in 1977, the Mitchell Museum has evolved into a cherished resource of collections, exhibits, programs and activities that introduce visitors from throughout the Chicago region to the cultures of American Indians. The Mitchell Museum’s mission is to promote and share a deeper understanding of Native American peoples through the collection, preservation, and interpretation of their traditional and contemporary art and material culture.
The DuSable Museum
In 1961, with a few dedicated colleagues and a dream, the artist/educator/writer/activist Margaret Taylor Burroughs established our nation’s first independent museum celebrating Black culture. The Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art was inaugurated that very year in the Burroughs’ home on Chicago’s iconic South Side. Burroughs was proud that the Museum was “the only one that grew out of the indigenous Black community.” At its 60th anniversary, the Museum was since named to honor Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the Haitian-born founder of Chicago and has welcomed millions of visitors to its home in Chicago’s historic Washington Park to experience its innovative and timely exhibition as well as powerful and transformative educational programs, which together place the African American narrative firmly within the broader context of U.S. history.
Tuesday, February 14
6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Opening Reception
Illville Vanguard Band
ILLVILLE VANGUARD is a Chicago based music group that's all about creating new ideas. ILLVILLE created a sound that is unique and can't be compared to anything else. Led by Gabriel Alston, ILLVILLE is known for providing a high energy atmosphere that's fun, free, emotional and exciting. Their musical sound is heavily shaped by Jazz, Gospel, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Hip-Hop, Latin and Neo Soul. Having a wide range of musical influences, places ILLVILLE's sound in a category of its own. ILLVILLE is second to none and will always leave listeners satisfied and craving for the next ILLVILLE experience.
Wednesday, February 15
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Chicago Steppin’ Dance Instruction - Chicago Style Stepping Event with Iris T. London and DJ Donnell
As the founder of ITL Fitness, Iris T. London is a multi-faceted fitness coach, personal trainer, entertainer and motivational speaker, with over 15 years of experience entertaining audiences, clients and leaders in business. Iris T. London has committed herself to being a world-class fitness professional certified in: Personal Training, Zumba, Spin, TRX and Kickboxing.
New Experiences Productions, owned and operated by D.J. Donell is a 26-year company that provides music and lighting services for all occasions (Weddings, Corporate Parties, Proms, etc.) and is currently contracted with Blue Door/Blue Cross, Noble Network of Charter Schools and one of the official DJ's on vibe-in.com radio that hosts the "Cheryl Underwood Show."
Wednesday, February 15
5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Pilsen Arts & Community House Poetry Reading and Author Showcase - Sponsored by: Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
Poets: Pablo Ramirez and Luis Teblens
Author Showcase: Diana Solis
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS AT DREAM
Monday, February 13
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Reception for International Guests
Tuesday, February 14
6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Opening Reception
7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Reception for Presidents and Chancellors
Wednesday, February 15
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
RELA 1 and RELA 2 Combo Reception, by invitation only
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Meet the Network Reception
6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Equity and Diversity Officers Reception, by invitation only
Thursday, February 16
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Meet the Scholars Breakfast
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
DREAM Scholars Reception
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Aspen Presidential Fellowship Alumni Reception, by invitation only
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
TCU Networking Reception