By CGN Staff

Today after months of turmoil and press attention about the state of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), it was announced at the Chicago Cultural Council meeting that Clinee Hedspeth has resigned as as DCASE Commissioner.

A new local arts advocacy group, Artists for Chicago, was created in April of this year with a mission to collectively share a voice on behalf of the city's artistic community because of concerns about DCASE and its leadership. In the following months the group worked to raise awareness about what it saw as dysfunction in one of the city's key departments that has offered vital support to artists and cultural organizations.

In April the group's public letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson said, "We write to share our deep concern about the dysfunction in the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Our sector depends on DCASE to be a partner in local government that is available and responsive to the community's needs and a strong advocate for the economic and civic power of the arts. Last month marked the first anniversary of Clinée Hedspeth's appointment as the City of Chicago’s Commissioner of DCASE. Over the last year, through revelations in the media, reports from DCASE staff, and statements from the community, it has become evident that the urgent needs of the arts and cultural sector are not currently being met." The letter outlined the problems facing the artistic community and the tangible solutions and leadership it sought.

Artists for Chicago shared an updated message to their community today:

Dear Artists for Chicago and Others:

At today's meeting of the Chicago Cultural Council, Clinee Hedspeth's resignation as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events was announced by the committee's co-chairs. You can read more about it in this piece by the Chicago Sun Times.

Many months ago, we asked you to trust us by signing onto a Letter of Concern to Mayor Brandon Johnson. Because of that letter, the staff at DCASE felt seen and heard, substantive changes occurred, and real accountability happened. 

Some individuals have faced retaliation for signing the letter or speaking out in the media. They lost opportunities, grants, and roles. This is not acceptable and should not be tolerated. 

Artists for Chicago hopes to continue its work holding elected officials accountable to the creative sector and fighting for what we need in the upcoming elections. Thank you for being part of this work with us.

The Artists for Chicago Team

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Key image credit: DCASE Chicago YouTube