For ten years we have been proud to support the incredible expansion of accessible arts and culture in Chicago. To continue to build on our impact and our collective successes, it’s time for a brand new name and a larger vision. We’re excited to unveil our new name: Cultural Access Collaborative.
Since we began in 2013, we have been evolving. First, we started as a volunteer-run group called Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium (CCAC), becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 5 years later. In 2020, we launched Illinois Cultural Access Network (ICAN) with funding from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. ICAN was connected to and run by some CCAC representatives, but it was considered a separate offshoot.
The pandemic has blurred geographical boundaries as much of our programming has moved online. Starting on January 3, to streamline and strengthen our mission, CCAC and ICAN are joining together into one entity: Cultural Access Collaborative. This change reflects our commitment to all of Illinois, including Chicago. When our Steering Committee renews in the fall of 2023, we will be recruiting state-wide to ensure representation across Illinois, and growing to collaborate with cultural organizations around the state of Illinois!
In other words, this shift means a shorter name, and a bigger impact.
Our commitments remain the same. We will continue to empower cultural spaces to be more accessible to visitors with disabilities by facilitating:
What does this name and mission change mean for you? As our work grows to include all of Illinois, we are expanding to:
Thank you for your support of our organization for the past ten years, and for celebrating with us as we usher in the next decade with our expanded focus. Together we will create a more accessible and inclusive future for cultural spaces across Chicago, Illinois, and beyond.
Yours in Accessibility,
Cultural Access Collaborative Board & Steering Committee
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