The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists, for-profit arts businesses, and arts corridors citywide; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via “Arts77,” a citywide arts recovery and reopening plan for all of Chicago’s 77 community areas; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and supporting high-quality, free, and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
DCASE offers more than 2,000 high-quality free exhibitions, concerts, theatrical and dance performances, films, lectures and discussions, family events and other programs each year at venues across the city, including the presentation of major cultural events like Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago SummerDance, Taste of Chicago, and more. DCASE manages a wide range of projects that advance the City of Chicago and its vibrant neighborhoods—including youth arts initiatives, cultural grants, markets, public art installations, community concerts celebrating Chicago’s music legacy, neighborhood festivals and events, and positioning Chicago as a hub for film and TV production.