Links Hall Receives Prestigious MacArthur Award for Extraordinary Creativity and Effectiveness

CHICAGO, IL – Links Hall was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. The Award recognizes exceptional nonprofit organizations who have demonstrated creativity and impact, and invests in their long-term sustainability with sizable one-time grants.

“Receiving the MacArthur Award, alongside so many wonderful organizations dedicated to Chicago’s vibrant arts ecosystem, is a huge vote of confidence in the risk-taking artists we serve,” said Links Hall’s Director Roell Schmidt. “Links exists to provide space, time and support for artists and the Award is providing Links with breathing room, planning time and institutional support to ensure that we can continue to exist far into the future.”

Links Hall makes possible the work of nearly 750 Chicago artists and arts organizations every year.We support performing artists by providing residencies, performance and curation opportunities, professional development and trainings, and financial assistance, such as low¬cost rental space and fiscal sponsorships.

Since 1978, Links Hall has been Chicago’s go¬to resource for daring, exploratory, and improvisational performance and has a growing international reputation as an incubator for original multidisplinary performing arts. Our programming fosters independent new work, its network provides artists new peers and mentors, and its community engagement generates public dialogues about the issues of our times.

Links Hall will use the $200,000 that accompanies the Award to increase its cash reserve and dedicate a small portion to underwrite critical technology infrastructure and facility upgrades.

The award has been presented annually since 2006 to organizations across the country and around the world that demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness. This year’s 14 recipients are drawn exclusively from Chicago’s diverse arts and culture community in order to strengthen the city’s vibrant cultural life and underscore the Foundation’s commitment to its hometown. Each year, MacArthur supports more than 300 arts and culture group in Chicago, awarding more than $10 million in grants, mostly through general operating support.

“These superbly imaginative organizations exemplify Chicago’s thriving arts and culture community, which is vibrant and economically vital to the region,” said MacArthur President Julia Stasch. “Support for these diverse and leading organizations reflects our enduring commitment to Chicago and to its cultural life that enriches us all.”

According to MacArthur, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success but also an investment in the future. For these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur’s core programs.

Additional information about this year’s MacArthur Awards is at www.macfound.org/MacAward.

A Day in the Life of Links Hall