Dr. Timuel Black Inspiration and Education Project

(Currently inactive)

Named for Dr. Timuel Black, whose lifelong service in the African American community included serving on our board until the age of 102; the Dr. Timuel Black Inspiration and Education Project allows the selected artists to present new works that are inspired and informed by the cultural legacy of Chicago’s south and west side neighborhoods.

The Jazz Institute was selected to receive an Artist Response Program grant is part of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ Arts 77 initiative. With this funding, we created the Dr. Timuel Black Inspiration and Education Award, to provide specialized grants to musicians who will engage with select Chicago neighborhoods, to present new works that are inspired and informed by the cultural legacy of Chicago’s south and west side neighborhoods.

This grant will help bring the joy and power of jazz music to communities while re-igniting the economic platform for Chicago musicians. Projects selected include formalized and pop-up educational workshops and classes, performances and other collective creative opportunities. Five $10,000 grants will be awarded to artists who present new works that are inspired and informed by the cultural legacy of Chicago’s south and west side neighborhoods. Successful proposals will address the following three criteria:

• Community

  Priority will be given to artists whose proposals serve Chicago South and West side neighborhoods that capture the essence of community engagement through listening and working directly with residents, local arts or social service organizations, civic leaders, and businesses. 

• Education

  Quality proposals will include a workshop or workshops (1-4) that engage students and/or adults in learning about jazz music and its impact in the community or neighborhood.

• Showcase

  The grantees must present a concert of original music fitting the community in which they will be performing. Strong proposals will reach beyond jazz music to engage artists from multiple disciplines, whether that be visual art, dance, or literature. Applicants are encouraged to select showcase locations that are non-traditional performance spaces, such as: businesses in need of a boost, churches or community centers, and outdoor spaces that allow for safe gathering.

The following six artists have been chosen to receive this special award:

Billy Branch • Marisol Ceron • Ernest Dawkins • Dana Hall • Wilfredo Rivera • James Sanders