What’s Happening With the Cultural Center?

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To help pass the time, perhaps, until the next mayoral election, Weisberg decided to conduct focus groups to gather opinions about what to do with the building. That research is now concluded, and a summary of the findings is circulating. But don’t expect the report (if you can find a copy) to propose a treasure trove of creative answers. Apparently the focus groups told Weisberg she should pretty much carry on with what she’s doing now in the way of programming at the Cultural Center. Of course once the library moves out, Weisberg would have to do a whole lot more of what she’s doing given the added space that would be available. Sources in the Department of Cultural Affairs, in fact, say it would take about four times the current level of programming to keep the building well utilized once the library has moved to its new quarters. And that would mean a whole lot more money would need to come from the city or somewhere to keep the Cultural Center operating. The notion of bankrolling such a cultural facility may not fly with the mayor, who already has one minion looking at a proposal to build a $500-million performing arts center, and another trying to come up with a plan for the Chicago Theatre. In any case, sources say Weisberg and company are continuing to look at the problem of what to do with the Cultural Center–consulting with consultants and such. That’s the way the game is played these days in the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Lincoln and Diversey the Next Hot Spot?

While Northlight Theatre scrambles for a new home next season, Evanston’s Next Theatre Company is adding a second performance space in its base at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The new 40-seat, three-quarter-thrust stage will house the Next Lab, a non-Equity program begun last February to supplement Next’s main-stage productions and support development of new theater artists. Next Lab’s first production in the new space will be Jeff Godber’s Bouncers, about four doormen working in sleazy London nightclubs. Next artistic associate Dexter Bullard directs Bouncers, opening July 12.

Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Charles Eshelman.