← PrioritiesIssue 01
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS + CREATIVES
Evanston should be a city where emerging artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers and photographers can actually build careers.
“Talent shouldn't have to leave Evanston to find opportunity.”
The issue
Talented people grow up in Evanston and leave because the opportunities to build a creative career are somewhere else.
Why George is focusing on it
George works with musicians and young creatives, and has seen how much talent leaves the city for lack of a place to show work, get paid and be taken seriously.
Proposals to explore
- 01Establish an Evanston local artist grant or microgrant program.
- 02Create opportunities for Evanston artists to receive city-supported commissions.
- 03Make unused or underused spaces more accessible for exhibitions, performances, rehearsals, pop-ups and creative projects.
- 04Build partnerships among local businesses, venues, schools and artists.
- 05Create more public performance and showcase opportunities.
- 06Improve the process for young creatives looking to produce cultural events.
- 07Develop an Evanston creative directory connecting residents with local musicians, filmmakers, designers, photographers and other creatives.
- 08Explore city-supported artist markets, music showcases, film screenings and cultural programming.
Potential implementation
These are proposals and priorities to explore, not existing programs. Each would require conversation with residents, artists, city staff and the City Council before anything moves forward.
Updates
Updates will be posted here as this proposal develops.