Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago’s Cultural Ecosystem

Chicago is one of the most influential cultural cities in the United States, known for its distinctive blend of architecture, visual arts, music, theater, and deeply rooted neighborhood culture. Widely recognized as the birthplace of modern architecture, it is also home to one of the nation’s strongest museum ecosystems and a vibrant grassroots arts scene that celebrates the city’s diverse ethnic communities. Chicago’s global cultural impact spans music — from Blues to House— renowned theater and murals, street art, and festivals. The city’s cultural ecosystem fuels its identity, community, and economic vitality. 

This ecosystem plays a critical role in economic development by creating jobs, attracting investment, and supporting local businesses. Arts and culture strengthen communities by ensuring diverse voices and stories are visible and valued, helping neighborhoods thrive both economically and socially. 

In this episode of Trust Talks, we discuss how arts and culture drive and stimulate economic opportunities for a community and elevate the voices and stories of underrepresented communities, while asking what it takes to sustain a thriving, equitable cultural sector. Philanthropy, both institutional and individual, is critical for a thriving arts economy, and we explore this as one of the essential elements of a thriving city.  

Hosted by Iona Calhoun-Battiste, the Trust’s senior director of collective power, the conversation features Englewood artist and activist Janell Nelson; David Feiner, co-founder of the Albany Park Theater Project; and Nora Daley, board chair of the Illinois Arts Council. Together, they discuss why investing in both legacy institutions and community-based organizations is essential to Chicago’s future. 

This episode was produced by Juneteenth Productions and recorded at The Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub.