Illinois Humanities

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Illinois Humanities Strengthening society by fueling inquiry and conversation about the ideas and works that shape our culture.

A statewide nonprofit that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement in communities throughout Illinois.

Ariel Zetina, Chicago-based artist, DJ and producer is one of five commissioned artists debuting new work at THE PURSUIT...
10/21/2026

Ariel Zetina, Chicago-based artist, DJ and producer is one of five commissioned artists debuting new work at THE PURSUIT: A People's Salon.

Drawing from the herstory of Chicago house music, trans America, and her Belizean heritage, Zetina's work blends electronic music and theatrical storytelling. Her commissioned piece, Periphery, or “What Flies in the Air in the Night above the Chicago Skyline as we dance in the club,” explores the histories, communities, and unseen forces that shape our collective lives.

Join us as Zetina and four fellow artists respond to THE PURSUIT, examining democracy, lived experience, and what it means to pursue happiness today.

Register for free and join us on October 28 at the historic Ramova Theatre: ilhumanities.org/pursuit.

Venezuelan-Peruvian director, choreographer, and producer, INSÉKTA is one of five commissioned artists debuting new work...
10/21/2026

Venezuelan-Peruvian director, choreographer, and producer, INSÉKTA is one of five commissioned artists debuting new work at THE PURSUIT: A People's Salon.

Working across dance, physical theatre, and visual culture, INSÉKTA creates immersive worlds shaped by migration, memory, and cultural multiplicity. Their commissioned work, FRÍO, traces one psyche split across time through states of matter, moving from frozen paralysis toward synchronicity.

Join us as INSÉKTA and four fellow artists respond to THE PURSUIT, examining democracy, lived experience, and what it means to pursue happiness today.

Register for free and join us on October 28 at the historic Ramova Theatre: ilhumanities.org/pursuit

Are you in a yellow county?We want to hear your story. As part of Illinois Voices 250, we're inviting residents across I...
10/20/2026

Are you in a yellow county?

We want to hear your story. As part of Illinois Voices 250, we're inviting residents across Illinois to record conversations about their lives, communities, memories, and hopes for the future.

Be part of history and help create a statewide time capsule for the nation's 250th anniversary. Your voice belongs in the story of Illinois.

Conversations will be preserved in a special collection at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for future generations to listen to and enjoy.

🔗 Record your conversation today at archive.storycorps.org/collection-page/illinois-humanities/

Chicago's inaugural Poet Laureate, interdisciplinary artist, and cultural leader Avery R. Young is one of five commissio...
10/19/2026

Chicago's inaugural Poet Laureate, interdisciplinary artist, and cultural leader Avery R. Young is one of five commissioned artists debuting new work at THE PURSUIT: A People's Salon.

Drawing from his multidisciplinary practice across poetry, performance, music, and libretto, young's work explores history, memory, and the enduring pursuit of freedom and dignity. Join us as he and four fellow artists respond to THE PURSUIT, examining democracy, lived experience, and what it means to pursue happiness today.

Register for free and join us on October 28 at the historic Ramova Theatre: ilhumanities.org/pursuit

👻 Skip the doom scrolling.Spend the rest of October discovering something unexpected.There's still time to catch thought...
10/15/2026

👻 Skip the doom scrolling.

Spend the rest of October discovering something unexpected.

There's still time to catch thought-provoking conversations, live events, performances, and community gatherings happening across Illinois.

Find your next outing at ilhumanities.org/events

Elgin History Museum Reddick Public Library District

Join our partners in Normal, Illinois for a free screening of Minnesota Neighbors on Sunday, October 18 at the Normal Th...
10/10/2026

Join our partners in Normal, Illinois for a free screening of Minnesota Neighbors on Sunday, October 18 at the Normal Theater.

Presented as part of the annual Breaking Bread in McLean County series, Minnesota Neighbors tells the story of how immigrants and neighbors across Minnesota united in the face of fear and uncertainty, demonstrating the power of kindness, courage, and collective action.

Following the screening, stay for a panel discussion featuring local leaders and community voices. Free and open to the public: https://www.niot.org/minnesotaneighbors

📍 Normal Theater, Normal, IL
🗓 Sunday, October 18
⏰ 3:00 PM

This Arts & Humanities Month, experience The Pursuit, a special one-time edition of A People's Salon bringing together L...
10/09/2026

This Arts & Humanities Month, experience The Pursuit, a special one-time edition of A People's Salon bringing together Lisa Beasley, INSÉKTA, Mark Turcotte, Ariel Zetina, and avery r. young (with curatorial support from Jane M. Saks) for an unforgettable evening at Ramova Theatre.

Poetry. Music. Storytelling. Performance.

Each artist brings a distinct voice and perspective, creating a rare lineup that won't be repeated. If you've followed their work individually, this is your chance to see them share the same stage for one night.

Registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserve your free spot at ilhumanities.org/events/the-pursuit

What happens when young people are given the space to tell their stories?You get poems that are honest, creative, moving...
10/01/2026

What happens when young people are given the space to tell their stories?

You get poems that are honest, creative, moving, and unforgettable.

As we celebrate Arts & Humanities Month, we're proud to highlight the voices of this year's Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards winners. Swipe through to meet some of the talented young poets carrying forward a legacy of creativity, curiosity, and self-expression.

Want to discover more ways to connect with the arts and humanities in Illinois? Visit our website in the bio to explore upcoming events, programs, and opportunities to get involved: ilhumanities.org

🎃 Looking for something better than a scare this October?A fresh lineup of Illinois Humanities events has arrived. Join ...
09/29/2026

🎃 Looking for something better than a scare this October?

A fresh lineup of Illinois Humanities events has arrived. Join us for conversations, performances, community gatherings, and programs happening across Illinois all month long.

Discover what's happening near you at ilhumanities.org/events📍

One night. Five unforgettable performances.Join us on October 28 for The Pursuit, a special one-time edition of A People...
09/28/2026

One night. Five unforgettable performances.

Join us on October 28 for The Pursuit, a special one-time edition of A People's Salon featuring Lisa Beasley, INSÉKTA, Mark Turcotte, Ariel Zetina, and avery r. young.

From powerful spoken word and poetry to music and storytelling, this is a rare chance to experience these artists sharing the same stage for a single evening at Ramova Theatre.

Registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserve your spot today at ilhumanities.org/pursuit

Address

125 S. Clark Street , Ste 650
Chicago, IL
60603

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13124225580

Website

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