By: Ashmar Mandou
Collaboraction Theatre Company will call Humboldt Park home as it announces a new build inside the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., in the Fall 2024 with the goal of the city “growing together.” Collaboraction’s new “House of Belonging” is set to feature a 99-seat flexible studio theater and a 50-seat cabaret with a café/bar. The 4,000-square-foot space will serve as a community center presenting live theater, spoken word, music, dance, films, workshops, and special events, produced by Collaboraction and guest artists, according to the Collaboraction Theatre Company.
“We’ve been itinerant since 2020, but by staying nimble, creating meaningful digital content and manifesting our mission of belonging, we’re still here,” said Collaboraction Artistic Director Anthony Moseley. “We’re thrilled to confirm we are building a new gathering space to reunite with our audience, artists and Collaboractivists at Kimball Arts, where Humboldt Park meets Logan Square.”
Collaboraction is a 27-year-old non-profit arts organization that builds knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action around oppression and inequity through live theater, film, radio and online interactive programs. “I am proud to welcome Collaboraction to the 26th Ward. Arts and culture are critical to youth development, and uplifting our community stories will further maintain our neighborhood’s legacy. I am particularly excited for the economic impact live theater will bring to Kimball Avenue,” said Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, who represents the 26th Ward in Humboldt Park.
Collaboraction Theatre Company looks forward to calling Kimball Arts Center home and joining a community of artists, photographers, entrepreneurs, and designers. “Before the pandemic, we were the resident theater for 13 years at Wicker Park’s Flatiron Building,” said Moseley. “One of the joys of being there was being part of a large and diverse community of artists. Kimball Arts provides much the same setting in an incredibly vibrant and welcoming new atmosphere.”
Collaboraction signed the lease in March after a two-year search across the city’s south and west sides. Construction begins later this spring. Meanwhile, the company will hold community meetings and events, working toward opening this fall. “Our vision for Kimball Arts has always been to create a space where artists can interact with the community in an inclusive and creative setting,” said co-owner Greg Robbins. “The building has undergone a renaissance over the past five years, with major structural changes that make it open and inviting. Collaboraction is a dynamic and innovative new addition to our growing creative community.” In order for “House of Belonging” to come to fruition, Collaboraction launched a $1.5 million House of Belonging capital campaign with a $200,000 CARP grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, with additional support from Kerry James Marshall and Cheryl Lynn Bruce, AV Chicago, Henry Wishcamper, Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Perkins Coie LLP and Cordogan, Clark & Associates. To donate, visit collaboraction.org/our-new-house-of-belonging.
Photo Credit: Collaboraction Theatre Company
