Theaster Gates named Special Advisor to the President for Arts Initiatives

Building upon his role as professor in the Department of Visual Arts and the College, Theaster Gates has been appointed Special Advisor at the University of Chicago, reporting to President Paul Alivisatos. Gates will plan the infrastructure for new arts initiatives both on-and off-campus, building partnerships in locations across the city.

‘In this new role, I hope to work with the Office of the President to create more cultural space and greater opportunities for artists at the University, city wide, and beyond,’ Gates said. ‘Jackson Park, Washington Park, Grand Crossing, Kenwood, and the corridors of 53rd, 55th, 61st, Cottage Grove and Stony Island deserve more cultural investment and advocates that can restore these once bursting districts of culture to their original grandeur. There is no shortage of talent, but because of structural racism, segregation, and infrastructural divestment, the places for joy and celebration have dwindled. I want to be a part of changing that.’