The Prairie Landscape

The Public Square at the IHC

The Public Square at the IHC
What is The Public Square at the IHC?

The Public Square at the IHC fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Our programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations.

Knowledge is power, yet much crucial knowledge still circulates only in small, isolated communities. We build bridges between theory and practice in order to empower individuals to use ideas as tools to improve their lives.

If you would like more information on The Public Square at the IHC and/or how to get involved please call 312.422.5580 or email info@thepublicsquare.org or visit www.thepublicsquare.org.

On-going Programs

  • Artists, Activists & Authors after Hours (AAAH)
    Artists, Authors & Activists After Hours programs are intimate, informal discussions and meals that allow for meaningful exchanges among people who share some connection to the work of a visiting artist. Since coalition building is one of the cornerstones of social change, AAAH programs are structured to give individuals a chance to meet others engaged in similar struggles and projects.
  • Café Society
    Café Society is a project designed to foster a more robust civil society, more cohesive and interactive communities, greater media literacy and a more informed and engaged citizenry through weekly coffee shop conversations about contemporary social issues. Current media reports (along with ample doses of caffeine) serve as stimulants for the conversations.
  • Café Society--Now in Spanish!!
    The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council and Contratiempo will be launching Café Society discussion groups in Spanish in Pilsen and Little Village on Friday, August 3rd at 6:30 PM with a press conference and a reception at Café Catedral (2500 South Christiana Avenue). There will be hors d’œuvres and music after the press conference.
  • Civic Cinema
    The Public Square at the IHC's     new program for 2005-2006, Civic Cinema, is an exhilarating series of films, forums, and conversations that uses the most exceptionally creative and engaging documentary films of our times as a point of departure for talking about some of the most pressing and challenging social issues facing us.
  • Know More: Conversations that Matter
    Art, issues, and dialogue-these are the key components to an exciting set of programs sponsored by The Public Square at the IHC that take place in the Englewood and Humboldt Park communities in Chicago. This series is a way to bridge the gap between the arts and social issues that are of current concerns with the community. Performances and presentations will be a prelude to community-based discussions that engage everyone involved. Top artists and activists are part of the overall series. This series is made possible by The Joyce Foundation. Chicago Public Radio is the media sponsor for Know More.

For upcoming events please click "Events/Activities" on the right or visit The Public Square at the IHC's Events page.