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2024 Arts and Culture Series

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THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS CONFERENCE ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT OUR 2024 ARTS AND CULTURE DISCUSSION SERIES.

Quilts have played a significant role in American history and culture for centuries. Quilts are as unique as the people who create them. Similarly, different ethnicities have unique art forms. Join us as we journey to learn about those art forms and help us create an actual NIC quilt celebrating that diversity.

NIC Arts & Culture Quilt Project

As we journey together this year to embrace the rich diversity of music, art and history, we invite you to  participate in the making of an NIC Arts & Culture Quilt that will be hung in the Northern Illinois Conference Office. 

Participants will be asked to present one square from an NIC individual, church  or organization to represent their culture, community, history, or art. Each square will need to be mailed by November 1, 2024.

Learn more about the Quilt Project


EVENTS

NATIVE AMERICAN ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
a part of the Indigenous People's Day Celebration
Starved Rock Lodge at Starved Rock State Park,
LaSalle County

Monday, October 14

Held in conjunction with the ARTF Pilgrimage team and NIC CONAM.

Learn more


HISPANIC/LATINX ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
in conjunction with the NIC 
Hispanic/Latinx Ministry Celebration

Saturday, October 19

Franklin Park UMC, 9857 Schiller Blvd, Franklin Park

Learn more


Past Events

BLACK ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Gateways Festival Orchestra
with special guest Take 6, and conductor Anthony Parnther

April 19, 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Hall, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Optional Pre-concert Buffet dinner at Kathryn’s Soul at the French Market 

Read a recap from Dr. Richard Guzman

More information 

ASIAN ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Japanese Summer Festival
at the Anderson Japanese Gardens,
Rockford

Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Read updates about the event and see photos

Other Series Links

The 2024 Art and Culture Series is a continuation of other ARTF series.
Check out the links below for recordings and information on the past events:
- 2023 Film Series
- 2022 Speaker Series

Learn more about the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force

NIC ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE SERIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

  • Tim Alexander, Chair (Schaumburg: Our Saviors UMC)
  • Jenny Graham (Rockford: Aldersgate UMC)
  • Rev. Toni Lucas (Albany UMC)
  • Dr. Betty Hart, Northern GA Conference
  • Dr. Richard Guzman (Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC)
  • Project Manager: Amania Drane (Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC)

News & Announcements

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Beginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities…

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Six Northern Illinois United Methodists received awards for their outstanding ministry with children and youth. Their recognition was celebrated at United Voices for Chi…

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About 120 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park/Movement in the City on Sept. 19 to mourn the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was killed by…

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Lay Academies provide valuable opportunities for laity to grow as leaders in their churches and communities. Academies are held in each district, a few times a year, offering convenient ac…

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