City Launches "Arts in Sacred Spaces"

The City is launching Arts in Sacred Spaces, a new pilot initiative exploring how houses of worship can become partners in Evanston's cultural life.

The Need

Artists and cultural organizations continue to face growing challenges in finding affordable places to create, present, and gather. At the same time, many houses of worship are seeking new ways to activate their facilities, strengthen neighborhood relationships, and sustain their missions. Arts in Sacred Spaces is designed to bring these two needs together.

A Capacity-Building Approach

Unlike traditional venue rental or space-sharing programs, Arts in Sacred Spaces is fundamentally about building capacity. Rather than simply connecting artists with available rooms, the pilot asks a broader question: How can trusted community institutions confidently and responsibly work with artists long after the pilot concludes?

The City has engaged Gaozhe Max Li, a Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist, organizer, and consultant. Li's work at The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago has demonstrated how houses of worship can become thriving cultural partners. He will work alongside the City to help participating institutions develop lasting strategies.

"Artists consistently told us that access to space remains one of the greatest barriers to sustaining a creative practice," said Juelle Daley, Arts & Cultural Engagement Specialist. "At the same time, many congregations are looking for meaningful ways to engage their neighborhoods and make fuller use of their existing spaces. Arts in Sacred Spaces explores how those needs might be brought together through thoughtful partnerships."

How the Pilot Will Work

The initiative will roll out in two phases:

1. Discovery Phase: Houses of worship, artists, and community stakeholders are encouraged to take a short survey, which will help the City assess interest, readiness, and opportunities for collaboration. Two separate surveys have been developed, one for Artists & Arts Organizations and one for Houses of Worship. 

2. Pilot Phase: A small cohort of congregations will be selected for a multi-month pilot focused on strengthening each institution's capacity for cultural partnership. Through workshops, peer learning, and pilot projects, participants will build the relationships and tools needed to sustain arts engagement long-term. 

Each participating house of worship will shape an approach reflecting its own mission, community, and strengths. This may include artist residencies, exhibitions, performances, workshops, storytelling gatherings, educational programs, or cultural dinners. 

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/artsinsacredplaces, call 847-448-4311, or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.