Session Summary: Culture
For the third gathering of the Washington Park In Our Time discussion series, the conversation turned to the vibrant history of arts and culture in Washington Park during the 1980s and ‘90s. Duane Powell, an icon and steward of Chicago music and music history, joined the conversation as our featured guest. Arts and culture are defined very broadly in this context, encompassing music, fashion, theater, visual arts, and craft – all deeply rooted in the unique fabric of Chicago’s South Side. Given Duane’s expertise, the discussion focused on house music as a defining soundtrack to growing up in the neighborhood. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, the grassroots origins and entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of cultural events and performances meant that everyone in the community was welcomed. A profound sense of care, nurturing, and even mentorship defined every house party or informal gathering, many taking place at homes or local schools. The rhythm of these recurring events built a community-wide commitment to caring for and showing up for one another.
The majority of the conversation focused on local cultural institutions and historical changes in the consistency of these events and gatherings. Educational spaces were key pillars supporting the arts on the South Side at this time, serving as hubs for parties, nurturing Afro-centric learning, and offering platforms for theatre and performance. As the center for arts in the neighborhood shifted to annual festivals, people found ways to continue knitting together their cultural fabrics. Candace shared that her bench at the DuSable Museum Arts & Crafts Festival became a meeting space for intergenerational conversation, with folks stopping by every year to talk about the festival and check in with one another. Today, many of these spaces have faded or vanished entirely. Festivals have relocated or stopped altogether, and places that are present may not be reaching everyone. The group noted that arts initiatives risk feeling disconnected from the neighborhood when they lack consistent engagement with the communities they intend to serve. This underscores the urgent need for arts-based placemaking efforts with staying power and a consistent community presence.
In closing reflections, the group emphasized the critical importance of bringing this cultural stewardship to younger generations. While the necessity of defining the historical context of these place-based changes was clear, there was a palpable concern about the potential loss of this culture in future generations, particularly given a current lack of public space for young people, in particular. Drawing on the language of transmission and reactivation, participants encouraged future rounds of similar discussions to engage young people in Washington Park, inviting them to explore and carry forward legacies of arts and culture.