Truth be told, I am from River Forest, Illinois, a suburb outside of Chicago. For most people, I often just say I am from Chicago, but I have been called out too many times by true Chicagoans that I am playing it safe here.
I am currently a religion major with concentrations in media studies and management studies. I really enjoy listening to music, mostly hip hop, jazz, funk, classical, and rock. My favorite book is, “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss, and I really enjoy adventure novels. My favorite movie is Hook and my favorite food is Giordano’s deep dish pizza.
I am incredibly excited to be apart of the Democracy and the Arts class. I grew up surrounded by music, theater, and art, and the arts have played a prominent role in my development and education. This class has afforded us the opportunity to study and experience the art that has dramatically impacted all of us in an infinite amount of ways through the lenses of power and politics. Especially in this current political climate, the arts are often neglected, in lieu of other more pressing matters. In an era post culture wars and NEA 4, the government’s role in funding, promoting, educating, and nurturing the arts is often unknown to the general public and average voter.
I am hoping to study the impact of an average citizen’s voice on the government in relation to the arts, especially when the arts are at the top of very few peoples’ to-do list or ballot. I am hoping to work in arts management post college, and use the experience and relationships made in this class to inform my work.