Links Hall works closely with local artists and audiences, and presents a program of local, national and international performance. Our focus provides educational and production opportunities at all levels for experimental artists. It is our intention for artists and audiences alike to develop enthusiasm, lively discussion, and context for dance and performance as complex and meaningful cultural expression. Links Hall works from leased facilities, from where we have developed innovative and supportive artistic programming over our 29-year history. Founded and run by dancers to meet the need for affordable studio space, Links Hall has been an artistic home for literally thousands of independent performing artists engaged in experimentation. As programming evolved, Links Hall came to be a nationally known and respected venue where emerging artists work side by side with established artists who are contributing significantly to the advancement of their varied forms. Links Hall is now going through a period of significant strategic growth and change. After co-founder Bob Eisen retired from the organization in 2000, the Board of Directors recognized the need to formalize Links Halls organizational and artistic program structures. This restructuring has produced impressive and effective change in the organizations infrastructure, and public awareness and appreciation of Links Halls programs is now positive and expanding. Recent developments: 1. In the last three years, our organizational budget has more than doubled in size; 2. We added a second full-time staff member, Managing Director, in 2006, and added the position of part-time Development Director in February 2008; and 3. We are now implementing a 5-year Strategic Plan (2006-2010). Various implementation projects, reflecting our Strategic Planning goals, are now in progress throughout the organization. Central to this work is the sustainable growth and development of our organizational infrastructure. In September 2007, the Board received an implementation update that sustainable organizational growth is taking place, and that we are generally moving forward in line with the direction provided by the Strategic Plan. Subsequent to the September 2007 report, a consultant was selected to support the development and initial implementation of a Fundraising Plan; we have recruited and hired a new staff position, part-time Development Director, dedicated to strategically attending to all levels of giving; and we have set ambitious targets for new donations in 2008 and 2009.

Mission statement: Links Hall encourages artistic innovation and public engagement by maintaining a facility and providing flexible programming for the research, development and presentation of new work in the performing arts.

Links Hall is distinguished from the majority of Chicagos other performing arts organizations through our support for all stages of the creative process: research, development, and presentation. Our programs continue to be strengthened through the efforts of our staff and Programming Committee. The Committee sets strategy and direction for our artistic development, selects guest curators and artists for commissions and residencies, and stresses the representation of multiple artistic viewpoints in our programs. The Committee is currently developing new initiatives for our guest curated and education programs, and ensuring a proactive focus on programmatic diversity. Attendance at our public programming is increasing significantly: Year to 6/30/04: Attendance 2,740 Ticket sales $25,880 Year to 6/30/07: Attendance 5,914 Ticket sales $44,626 Links Hall has three main areas of artistic programming: a. PUBLIC PROGRAMMING: * Artistic Associates: Three artists (AAs) are annually invited to curate month-long festivals, which have enhanced program quality and expanded audiences for new work. * National Performance Network: Through our NPN membership, we access support for artist commissions and residencies, and connect with national artists, presenters and funders at annual/regional NPN meetings. * Linkages are co-presentations with dance/performance groups, constituting 25 weekends of presentations each year, the majority of which is by Chicago-based artists and companies. b. ARTIST-FOCUSED PROGRAMMING: we support creative research and development through these programs: * LinkUp annually offers six talented dance/movement artists a 6-month creation residency, including public showcases (at Links Hall and the Chicago Cultural Center), work-in-progress events, and stipends. * Creative Time is the heart of Links Hall, providing low-cost rental space to artists. We acknowledged the importance of this programs affordability by not increasing our rental rates in the last year. * Education programming takes place through workshops, symposia, and discussion events. Our expanding public workshop series addresses a diverse range of artist needs including creative methodologies, performance techniques, and administrative skills. In FY09, we will complete and implement our first Education Plan, and will launch our first summer workshop intensive program. c. PARTNERSHIPS: * Chicago Dancemakers Forum, a partnership between Links Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Dance Center of Columbia College, and two choreographers, is a catalyst to increase dynamic interaction among Chicagos dancemakers. * CROSSCUT, a partnership with Experimental Sound Studio, annually provides awards for new collaborations between movement and sound artists.