Grad students in Columbia College Chicago’s Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management department (AEMM) have the unique opportunity to take part in the planning process for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan this semester. Students in AEMM’s “Comparative Cultural Policy” class are partnering with the city’s planning team to conduct and compile research from a series of upcoming Town Hall meetings for recommendations to be released in May. The students also will examine the European Union’s “European Capitals of Culture” program in search of ideas to inspire Chicago creators of the 2012 plan.

Involvement in the planning process is a chance for students to witness cultural policy making up close, understand its dynamics and participate directly in the process, according to class instructor Philippe Ravanas, chair of the AEMM department. The last cultural plan was developed in 1986 under Mayor Harold Washington by Fred Fine, Chicago’s first commissioner of culture and founder of the Columbia College AEMM department.

Columbia College also will host the first of the Town Hall meetings, on Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at 618 S. Michigan Ave. Residents, cultural organizations, community groups and the public can attend to share thoughts on ways to support the arts and artists throughout the city, boost economic growth and enhance Chicago’s reputation as a global cultural destination. Residents can submit their ideas regarding the challenges and opportunities Chicago faces through the town hall meetings or social media.

Photo: Philippe Ravanas in Comparative Cultural Policy class with AEMM graduate students (credit: Jacob Boll)

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