Innovation 80 aims to make a positive difference in the lives of Chicago’s underserved people by partnering with arts organizations which support them. Our grant recipients are working to empower their program participants, providing a safe place for them to create, and giving them the tools to develop and share their talents and their stories.
Below are statistics about our recipients’ programs, along with responses that they have received regarding the impact of their work.
THE KEDZIE CENTER
Facilitated over 16,000 clinical encounters, 11,000 community encounters, 800 psychiatric sessions, and 156 mental health workshops over the course of 5 years.
Has worked in 15 schools and has over 60 partners, including community organizations.
Praise for the DACA Storytelling Program
“In the current political climate we face, it is vital that we rise and empower our communities through our stories and resiliency.”
– Blanca, Participant
“It is important to tell our stories and that there is life beyond DACA.”
– Vanessa, Participant
“Storytelling can be so powerful and I would like to develop my skill so I can also share what I have learned with others.”
– DACA Student
“I sometimes worry that telling my story feels like something negative, but learning new skills to be able to tell my story in a positive way will help me throughout my life.”
– DACA Student
2nd Story
In 2018–19, spent 3,500 hours crafting world premiere stories in 12 neighborhoods, produced 42 events, worked with over 140 artists, reached an audience of 1,850, produced 2 original study guides, and collaborated with 3 schools—teaching 175 students.
Praise for 2nd story
“2nd Story welcomed my dark humor, my individual voice, valuing the storyteller as much as the story. So many people want to share their stories, stories like mine, echoing our sameness, making us feel less alone in the truth of who we are.”
– 2nd Story Participant
Reading Between The Lines
Reaches 600 women and men annually via sessions held at 4 locations, 4 times a week, 50 weeks per year.
20 trained discussion leaders from business, academia, and the arts volunteer their time and talent to do this work.
Praise for REading BEtWeen the Lines
“Reading Between the Lines may help a participant get a job, but its real value is that it helps them keep that job.”
– Erwin Mayer, Executive Director, St. Leonard’s Ministries
“What makes Reading Between the Lines such a remarkable and essential program is how it gives men and women leaving prison the tools to engage with the world.”
– Alex Kotlowitz, Senior Advisor
“It broadened my mind. Some of the readings and discussions have made me change how I look at things.”
–Zedrienne, Participant
“I used to have a problem with talking about issues with people in general. What is talking gonna do? We need action. But I learned that communication is a tool, talking and sharing views helps mold your mind so you can think at a higher level."
–Richard, Participant
Silk Road Rising
Brought playwriting to 83 classrooms and nearly 2100 teens since the EPIC program began in 2013.
During the 2015–16 school year, 95% of students wrote a play addressing an issue within their community.
Praise for the EPIC PRogram
“EPIC filled in a gap in my own approach to teaching. I was able to engage with students on a different level and really saw the classroom dynamic change.”
– 10th grade teacher
“I learned that I need to have empathy for myself. I should be as understanding with myself as I am (with) anybody else.”
– 10th grade EPIC Student
“Because of EPIC, I have a more open mindset. Instead of drawing conclusions about others, I’ll try to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.”
– 10th grade EPIC student
“Before EPIC, I didn’t know I could write a play. Now, I’m less shy and want to express myself even more! I will keep writing plays to share my story with others.”
– 9th grade EPIC Student
SkyART
Served a total of 3,153 students in 2019 alone, with 52,852 total hours of programming among 24 neighborhoods.
Keeping kids expressing themselves during the Chicago stay-at-home order, each week the staff has assembled and delivered 50-150 art kits to kids who attend their community center and other organizations.
Praise for SKYART
“I have learned that art is about way more than just painting and drawing and all that. I learned that people see everything differently.”
– Cassandra, Age 12
“When I make art, it just makes me go into this type of mood and I can’t stop making art. I just keep going on and on – it’s like a happy-slash-passionate mood. The happy part makes me feel good, and the passionate part makes me feel confident.”
– Jordan, Age 13
“Once I came here, it was like stepping into another realm or something. You can come here and be yourself. You can be an artist. It feels really good to come here.”
– Jon, Age 24
“The Art Center actually took me out of the streets.”
– Ashyia, Age 19