Anti-oppression learning and strategy for the creative community in Illinois.
Liberation Learning Lunches
Our inaugural Liberation Learning Lunches will dive into conversations about the limits – and possibilities – of systemic change in the arts and culture sector.
Each afternoon conversation features respected cultural organizers and arts professionals reflecting on some of the thorniest questions that cultural nonprofits face in this time of growing global instability: Can private philanthropy save us? What is the point of an equity audit? Will we ever escape the crushing cycles of grant reports and find true sustainability in nonprofit work?
View information about upcoming Liberation Learning events and registration links below.
The Long Run: Lessons on Sustaining Revolutionary Optimism from Campaign Organizers
June 6, 12-1pm
Led by Benji Hart
Benji Hart is an interdisciplinary artist, author, & educator whose work
centers Black radicalism, queer liberation, & prison abolition.
Nonprofits can feel limited by churning grant cycles and
donor expectations when doing the work of long-term visioning, especially when dreaming up loftier justice-oriented goals for their work. What can we learn from social justice movements about balancing hope and pragmatism when addressing complex long-term issues? Using examples from long-term Chicago campaigns, we’ll explore ways to reorient ourselves and our work for the long run.
A Fireside Chat: Trends in Arts & Culture Nonprofits Today
June 17, 12-1pm
Led by Vu Le
Vu Le writes the blog NonprofitAF.com and is the former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.
Tune in to hear the celebrated writer and speaker dissect recent trends in the cultural nonprofit landscape, and hear his predictions on where the sector is headed.
More events to be announced soon.
Liberation Learning Group
A facilitated anti-oppression learning and strategy group for our members.
Our Liberation Learning Group offers a space for cultural sector nonprofit workers to develop a shared analysis of power, racism, and community-driven work in Illinois, and through it build relationships of solidarity and mutual empowerment for anti-oppression work across our sector. At this time, you must be an Alliance member to participate in a Liberation Learning Group.
Our first cohort will wrap up their work in Summer 2024. Watch for information about our next cohort on this page, and in the meantime, fill out this form to express interest in participating.
Our Liberation Learning work is made possible due to generous support from the National Endowment of the Arts.
