Meeting Minutes  >  Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Meeting minutes were approved at the Cultural Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park Room, 5th Floor North, 3 p.m.

Cultural Advisory Council ("CAC") Members:

Present:  Chair Coya Paz, Camille Bacon, Alison Cuddy, Diane Dinkins-Carr, Robert Gomez, Esther Grimm, Leslé Honoré, Tony Karman, Richard Logan, Patric McCoy, Bill Michel, Cesáreo Moreno, Vivian Teng, Debra Yepa-Pappan

Absent:  Vice Chair Blake-Anthony Johnson, Amina Dickerson, Juan Díes, Bob Faust, Brooke Flanagan, Akilah Halley, Kevin Iega Jeff, Tonika Lewis Johnson, Josephine Lee, Margaret Murphy-Webb, Claire Rice, Omar Torres-Kortright, Kaoru Watanabe, Tanner Woodford

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events ("DCASE") Staff:

Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, Deputy Commissioner Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty, Deputy Commissioner Natasha Olguin, Zhen Heinemann, Melanie Wang

I. Welcome and Call to Order

Coya Paz, chair of the Cultural Advisory Council (CAC), called the June 10 meeting to order at approximately 3:00 p.m. She welcomed attendees and thanked members of the DCASE staff for organizing the meeting. Coya noted the gathering follows Illinois public meeting requirements and is open to the public.

Coya provided a summary of the meeting’s agenda to include remarks from DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, introduction of several new CAC members, highlights of DCASE’s recent work and opportunities for CAC members to provide input and help amplify key initiatives. Coya emphasized that the highlighted items are specifically chosen by DCASE for council support and discussion.

Coya confirmed that attendance was taken upon entry to the meeting and a quorum had been reached. The minutes from the CAC meeting on February 25, 2025 were introduced as circulated to members. With no corrections suggested, the minutes from the February meeting were approved.

II. Public Comment

Coya noted that procedures for public comment were shared including requirements for members of the public requesting to speak needed to register via email beforehand. Since requests were received, the council moved into the public comment section of the meeting, with speakers each allotted three minutes to present.

Coya acknowledged the first speaker, Jenna Pollack.

Jenna Pollack introduced herself as a community economic development consultant and a former choreographer-in-residence at the Chicago Cultural Center. She described her artistic and administrative experience, highlighting DCASE as a key local and national force in arts programming and cultural policy.

While sharing appreciation for DCASE, she raised a concern that the posted agenda for the current meeting was identical to the previous one. Jenna expressed a desire for greater clarity and transparency from the Commissioner regarding public-facing processes and updates. Jenna emphasized that quarterly meetings during business hours are insufficient for public engagement. She criticized the lack of transparency and noted that even if concerns are addressed during the meeting, the public remains largely uninformed.

Jenna referenced a Chicago Tribune article in which Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth reportedly dismissed 85% of public criticism as false. Jenna attested that political transitions should not excuse a lack of accountability, especially with pending reports from oversight bodies including the Inspector General. She implores the Commissioner to be more accountable as a steward of this agency and to actively communicate the progress the department is making to the public.

While she praised the Commissioner for securing an additional $500,000 in grants, Jenna questioned the absence of a clear, strategic vision for how those funds will be used. She stressed that reversing grant terminations is not a vision. Jenna pointed out that 15 months into the Commissioner's tenure, her objectives remain unclear. She urged DCASE to articulate a substantive plan, especially given federal challenges to arts funding and the need for strong civic leadership in Chicago’s cultural sector.

She concluded by reiterating the concerns outlined in the April 14th letter from the advocacy group Artists for Chicago:

1. Define a clear vision for DCASE

2. Provide accountability

3. Stem staff turnover

4. Address bullying allegations

5. Audit essential operations

Coya acknowledged the second speaker, TJ Hughes.

The next speaker introduced herself as a consultant focused on small businesses in the Black American community. TJ praised Commissioner Hedspeth’s efforts to make cultural funding and decision-making more inclusive. She noted that past discussions around public arts funding were often classist and racially exclusive, but under this administration, marginalized voices are being welcomed into the conversation.

TJ shared that DCASE is now recognized and respected in the communities she serves—a notable shift from previous indifference. She noted that trust in the department and Commissioner is being built through direct and meaningful outreach.

Although clarifying she is not an arts expert, TJ expressed confidence in the Commissioner’s leadership and urged the council to continue supporting her. TJ believes the Commissioner is making tangible progress for Black artists and entrepreneurs and spoke from experience working deeply in the community.

TJ ended with an acknowledgment of Jenna Pollack’s earlier remarks, and saying the community values the Commissioner and wants her to remain in her role. She referenced her long-standing perspective dating back to the days of Mayor Harold Washington as a reminder of how far the city has come.

III. DCASE Leadership Greetings and Introductions

Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth thanked public speakers and welcomed attendees to the meeting, expressing appreciation for the Cultural Advisory Council’s role and community engagement. Sharing a summary of funding updates for 2025, the Commissioner noted despite a tight city budget, no DCASE programs or funding were cut. An additional $1 million was secured for grants to artists and small arts organizations. An extra $500,000 is being allocated to support those most affected by federal funding cuts.

Commissioner Hedspeth emphasized the importance of ensuring that smaller organizations and underrepresented artists have a seat at the table. Artists should not need multiple jobs just to create, pledging to continue seeking new funding sources and partnerships. The Commissioner also called for collaboration across city agencies to reduce DCASE’s burden and allow it to focus on its core mission. She encouraged CAC members to help identify vulnerable organizations and praised those already working with alderpersons to secure additional support.

Commissioner Hedspeth stressed that her office is open to the public and invited community members to engage in discussions about moving forward together. She expressed excitement about hearing from new CAC members and learning about their goals and motivations for joining the council.

Coya Paz continued to the next portion of the meeting, inviting newly appointed CAC members to introduce themselves.

Camille Bacon is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Jupiter Magazine, a Chicago-based arts and culture publication. She also works as a studio manager for a local painter. Camille expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the council and supporting Commissioner Hedspeth. She emphasized Chicago’s legacy of equitable resource distribution and voiced her commitment to learning and contributing to that mission.

Diane Dinkins-Carr is a fine art appraiser and consultant, and founder of DDC Consulting Group Inc. She has deep roots in Chicago’s arts scene, with both parents being artists and her own long-standing involvement with DCASE and the South Side Community Art Center. Diane has actively supported artists in navigating grant applications and funding challenges. She pledged to help artists understand how to write grants, price their work, and engage with the community, ensuring fair access to city funding for all artists.

Leslé Honoré is the CEO of Urban Gateways, a nonprofit focused on arts access for youth in Chicago. She serves as Co-Chair of Elevated Chicago, which promotes equitable development. Beyond her leadership roles, she describes herself as an author, artist, and activist, passionate about using art to unite communities and confront division. Leslé emphasized the importance of artists working together and showing up boldly in these challenging times, expressing deep pride in serving the city and supporting DCASE.

Tony Karman is the founder of EXPO Chicago, the city’s major international art fair, and has been active in Chicago’s cultural and business sectors for over 40 years. He described his background including work with the League of Chicago Theaters, the Chicago Artists Coalition, and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events – making him in a way a former DCASE employee. Tony expressed strong commitment to supporting the department and addressing challenges in the arts community, both locally and nationally. He emphasized the council’s role in listening, adapting, and actively supporting DCASE’s programming and mission.

Richard Logan is the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the Reva and David Logan Foundation, a Chicago-based philanthropic organization that supports social justice, investigative journalism, and the arts. He acknowledged the challenges posed by shrinking federal and philanthropic funding but emphasized that this is a time to take risks and invest boldly in the arts. Richard expressed strong commitment to helping DCASE and the CAC ensure that Chicago’s cultural programs not only survive but thrive, especially as legacy programs face financial strain.

Patric McCoy is a co-founder of Diasporal Rhythms, an art collectors’ organization dedicated to promoting art from the African diaspora. A lifelong Chicagoan, he voiced excitement about having a seat at the table to advocate for small arts organizations and community representation. He shared two ideas for cultural celebration:

• Honoring Chicago’s founder, who was an art collector with 23 paintings in 1800.
• Promoting Chicago as the birthplace of modern murals, especially those originating on the South Side.

Patric quoted his mother, “It’s a poor dog that won’t wag its own tail,” urging the city to celebrate its cultural legacy more boldly.

Coya Paz thanked the new members and celebrated their enthusiasm and dedication. She reminded everyone that the CAC is made up of volunteers who bring passion and purpose to the work.

IV. DCASE Briefings

Natasha Ogluin was introduced as the new Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Film Office. Natasha’s background includes 20+ years of experience in the film industry, working in roles ranging from location manager and scout to assistant director and set coordinator. A proud Chicagoan, Natasha expressed excitement in transitioning from production to a leadership role within city government. She emphasized her commitment to bridging gaps across filming platforms, supporting the city’s infrastructure, and elevating Chicago’s film community. She described her goals for the Film Office:

• Grow the local film industry and labor force
• Create new workforce opportunities across all 77 neighborhoods
• Market Chicago’s beauty and vibrancy as a filming destination
• Support and uplift existing talent and infrastructure

Next, Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty, Deputy Commissioner of Visual Arts, provided an overview of her division and perspective on her journey to DCASE. Tamar shared her unique path to arts and culture through librarianship. Previously, Tamar served as the first African American female director of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives when she was invited to join DCASE as Deputy Commissioner. Originally from Chicago, she grew up in North Lawndale and Austin and found refuge in the Cultural Center when it was the Chicago Public Library. Her return to the Cultural Center as Deputy Commissioner of Visual Arts reflects a full-circle moment in her life.

Tamar warned of threats to visual arts due to declining public funding and the closure of cultural agencies. She called for creative resilience and advocacy to sustain Chicago’s artistic ecosystem. To counter fear, misinformation, and social anxieties about the arts, we must remember that art can inspire, decipher, evoke, and resist.

She introduced a new way of thinking of her division as VAMP (Visual Arts Motivates People), emphasizing that visual arts should be a source of joy, resilience, and transformation. The division is organized around three core areas:

• Public Art: Funding the creation of art within the City of Chicago's collection, through programs like Percent for Art, making art accessible across Chicago.
• Exhibitions: Centering Chicago’s curatorial practice at the Chicago Cultural Center and public spaces like Midway Airport, establishing DCASE as a nexus for artistic output and cultural dialogue
• Art Education: A new unit aimed at affirming importance of art as a valuable resource of knowledge

Tamar continued that the division could not be VAMP without a “fam.” She praised her team, including Jimmy Castillo – Program Director for Public Art, Lydia Ross, Senior Strategist for Special Projects, and Brett Swinney, Program Director for Exhibitions and formerly with the Public Art team’s mural program. She additionally acknowledged the work of Elise Butterfield, Nathan Mason, Joanna Goebel, and Maryrose Pavkovic. A new position for Director of Art Education is forthcoming, focused on dynamic educational programming.

Public Art

Tamar continued with an update on the Public Art program, managing $10.1 million in public art projects in 2025, including five already completed this year. Of the 33 actively underway, 11 are in design phase and 22 are in artist selection, design, or fabrication phase. She referenced being excited to see projects from start to finish, from commissioning to public engagement to completion. Funding sources include support from The Mellon Foundation, menu funds, capital funds, and Percent for Art.

Tamar highlighted two projects, the Ray Charles Easley Sculpture Monument in Austin Town Hall Park (29th Ward) with artist Sonja Henderson and John Pitman Webber, and a mural at Edgewater Public Library by Tomokazu Matsuyama celebrating local ethnic diversity with symbolic flowers. Tamar shared how the launch of the Edgewater mural was her first public art dedication, where a protester questioned the choice of engaging a New York-based artist. She welcomed the dialogue and emphasized the importance of authentic community involvement in public art decisions.

Tamar next discussed the Chicago Monuments Project, launched in 2020 to address inequities in the city’s monument collection. There is great power in public art and the meaning of creating a monument for someone. The initiative aims to tell a fuller, more truthful story through new and revised monuments, focusing on representation gaps and especially for Native communities.

Tamar also provided an update on DCASE Public Art at O’Hare Airport. She highlighted the 77 Neighborhoods Project by Jonathan Michael Castillo. Located in the baggage claim area, it features portraits of independent small businesses across Chicago.

With a note on conservation, Tamar emphasized that public art is not a “set it and forget it” endeavor. DCASE continues to maintain and conserve installations across the city. She shared a recent field visit to the Western Brown Line CTA station, where a Berlin Wall monument is undergoing renovation. Tamar noted DCASE’s work in public art is collaborative and interacts with CTA, Chicago Park District, and other city departments.

Exhibitions

Tamar next expressed how DCASE exhibitions foster civil discourse and artistic engagement, citing the Potential Energy: Chicago Puppets Up Close exhibit earlier in the year. The experience brought many teachable moments, and meaningful reflections on what roles artistic agency and public opinion play in our exhibitions. This sparked the development of two panels, one on artistic agency and public opinion in puppetry, and Black curation and legacy, especially with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Tamar described how there can be dialogue about exhibitions that are controversial and also push to think about the future.

Tamar pointed to two exhibits currently on view at the Cultural Center, Blondell Cummings: Dance as Moving Pictures, showcasing the late choreographer’s video archives and multidisciplinary work, and Tom Torluemke: LIVE! ON PAPER, 1987–2024. Tamar pointed to an engaging element in the Torluemke installation that invites visitors to walk across images of people on the floor, challenging visitors to consider on how society treats those at the margins.

CAC Reflections

Tamar noted the role of the CAC in a time when calm and appreciation for what is working well is in great need. What does it mean to focus on what is going right rather than solely addressing past mistakes? She encouraged the CAC to recognize strengths within DCASE and use those insights to help DCASE build a unified and resilient vision for the department and broader arts ecosystem.

Tamar asserted that Chicago has its own rich arts legacy, one that deserves national and global recognition. She highlighted examples like murals and challenged the CAC to help position the city as an arts epicenter, distinct from East Coast dominance. She urged CAC members to support DCASE efforts to:

• Integrate multistakeholder input into exhibitions and funding decisions
• Foster shared understanding and collaboration across communities
• Inspire national and global connections for Chicago artists
• Take small actionable steps to improve impact and inclusion

Tamar closed with questions aimed at shaping the department’s trajectory:

• How can current cultural crises showcase DCASE’s strengths?
• What shared stories and visions can we create?
• What small steps can staff and CAC members take now?

She ended by thanking Commissioner Hedspeth and reaffirming her dedication to serving DCASE and her hometown of Chicago.

Coya Paz thanked the presenters and invited members to share if they had a comment or question on the presentation.

Patric McCoy asked how council members could gather and share community concerns outside formal meetings. Commissioner Hedspeth encouraged informal outreach, noting that emails, calls, or small community gatherings can be powerful ways to engage. The Commissioner also reminded everyone about the Experience DCASE initiative, where staff help artists navigate paperwork and resources.

Tamar echoed that CAC members can help to reach communities that are unfamiliar with how to engage with art, acknowledging the deep passion Chicagoans have for art and their need for accessible ways to express it. She noted that members of the public often do not know where to come to talk about that, and this can be an opportunity to connect with people outside of these spaces, which some people feel are privileged spaces.

Bill Michel asked about the forthcoming Art Education arm of DCASE and if there are any early thoughts they are able to share. Tamar responded that while still in development, the new Art Education Director is anticipated to work closely with exhibitions and schools, especially Chicago Public Schools, to build public understanding around arts programming. The DCASE role will help demystify decisions such as who gets commemorated in public art and align educational strategies with citywide cultural goals. Tamar praised the Commissioner’s commitment to integrating this new division and noted the possibilities for breaking down silos and expanding public engagement.

V. Next Steps

Coya Paz wrapped up by urging CAC members and attendees to be active ambassadors for DCASE, especially over the busy summer months. With public events happening across Chicago, CAC support in spreading awareness is more important than ever. Coya encouraged members to share Instagram links, QR codes, and the DCASE newsletter to amplify access to DCASE programs and help spread the word. She highlighted that events are not limited to downtown but are happening across the entire city. Noting the significant activity of the department during festival season, Tamar credited DCASE colleague Amanda Carlson for the saying, “It’s not summer in Chicago without DCASE.”

Members were also reminded they can reach out to DCASE staff directly or funnel questions and comments through Coya herself ahead of the next meeting. Coya thanked everyone for attending and looked forward to continuing the work of connecting communities through DCASE’s cultural efforts.

VI. Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:30 p.m.