One Year Post-Shutdown: Chicago Takes 10 Launches to Support Performing Artists
JT partners with Walder Foundation to build and promote the new platform supporting performing artists still impacted by the pandemic
One year after Chicago’s shut down, Walder Foundation launches Chicago Takes 10 – a new initiative to support performing artists still impacted by the pandemic and arts organizations that will be among the last to fully reopen.
Coming out of Covid-19, when the arts community was hit extraordinarily hard (rendering many musicians, dancemakers and artists of all kinds jobless), Chicago Takes 10 is getting performers back on stage safely.
The new virtual performance series, dubbed “an artistic tour of Chicago’s performing arts during the pandemic,” features 10 artists from 10 performance art organizations from across Chicago – for a total of 100 artists receiving $1,000 each.
When Walder Foundation came to us in January, we were excited to help brand the initiative, build a website to showcase the artists, and create an effective media strategy to promote it – all by the premiere performance on March 18.
In less than three months, Chicago Takes 10 grew from an idea into reality, and on March 18, viewers tuned into the first of 10 performances, interacting with artists in real-time via live chat.
The interactive website makes it easy to view performances, browse artists and explore each curating partner organization. It gives each artist a platform to share and promote their work – a benefit that has been challenging to many this past year when in-person venues were closed.
In addition to branding and website development, we developed an earned media strategy to promote the initiative. Ahead of the premiere, we secured placements in Broadway World, Lawndale News and Block Club Chicago. Since launch, additional coverage has included broadcast stories on Fox 32 Chicago, NBC Chicago and WTTW.
This work is a reflection of our commitment to the art and culture community of Chicago. One year ago, we partnered with Arts Alliance Illinois, Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot to launch Art for Illinois Relief Fund, of which Walder Foundation was a founding funder. We are appreciative of our continued partnership with Walder Foundation to now bring Chicago Takes 10 to life.
Tune in to ChicagoTakes10.org every other Thursday at 6 p.m. through July 22 to enjoy the works of talented musicians, singers, dancers and other performing artists. And say hello in the chat – we’ll be watching!
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