3Arts traces its roots back over 100 years to Jane Addams and her work on behalf of women and immigrants. The 3Arts Club was one of eight clubs spanning the USA and Europe. Addams wanted a place where women artists were nurtured and supported in their work. In 2007, the 3Arts Club sold its landmark building and used the proceeds to advance 3Arts' vision of creating equity and the arts by investing in Chicago artists.
I had a conversation with 3Arts Executive Director Cat Tager about their upcoming awards ceremony, where $1 million will be distributed to 17 Chicago and Carbondale artists. 3Arts has expanded its reach and provides year-round support to artists through educational programs, residencies, and emergency funds.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about 3Arts. Tell me about the organization's history.
Well, you know it started with Jane Addams as a way to support women artists through a social justice lens. The focus was on performing, teaching, and educating women in the arts.
How did you become a part of 3Arts?
When they relaunched as 3Arts, they had a party but did not have a roster of artists to perform. I was in an all-women band, and the then Executive Director, Esther Grimm, booked us for the party. I stuck around after that party and learned more about the organizations. It was like the sky opened up and shone on me. I had never heard of anyone talking about women in the arts. I had never heard of anyone talking about people of color in the arts. I asked myself, how can I be a part of this? How can I be of service?
I joined the board and eventually served as its chair for several years, including during the pandemic. Then, the development director left for another organization, and I was able to step into that position. When Esther decided to step down in 2024, I was selected as the Executive Director.
Wow, you have a long history with the organization. Do you still play music, or are you in a band?
I still play with Laura Doherty and the Heartbeats at children’s events. We play music, and I get the kids up and moving. I was at the Old Town School of Music for 20 years, where I was Associate Program Director and oversaw many operations, including the Lincoln Park and South Loop campuses and the Wiggleworms program.
Really? What instrument do you play?
Well, I am a recovering classical pianist. I started playing when I was 5. In college, I taught myself to play guitar. I learn a new instrument every year. This year, I learned the soprano ukulele. 3Arts is awarding $1 million this year. That is $400 thousand more than last year.
It is terrific—and even more crucial, given cuts to federal funding and threats to DEI programs—if there are DEI programs in place. How is that being distributed?
We are giving $30,000, no strings attached, to 17 Chicago and Carbondale artists. These are artists who are well-rooted in their practice. The money can be used for anything to help them continue making art. It could be for food, making rent, anything.
That is wonderful. Are there other assistance programs throughout the year in addition to the awards?
Yes, we have an emergency fund for artists that we distribute. During the pandemic, everything closed down, and it was, ‘I don’t have a job.’ Funding cuts mark the current situation, and artists may need help paying rent or buying food. We are there to help artists continue with their work. It’s the cost to exist. Food is more expensive, and everything is tight right now.
Does 3Arts get funding from other foundations to help support artists? Is it limited to performing arts?
Yes, we put our skin in the game. We have grown the awards program, and we engage with funders to keep growing. The Illinois Arts Council has been great at helping Illinois artists, and hopefully that will continue. We have to see what the budget is for Illinois next year. Our funding is not limited to performing artists. We have given grants to lighting designers, playwrights, and people working to make art accessible.
Accessibility is so important. Most performance spaces, such as the Lyric Opera, offer special visual and hearing assistance devices.
Yes, it is one of the reasons that we love working with the Harris Theater. They allow productions to take out an entire row in the middle for wheelchair seating, providing better sightlines and safer access. There are audio devices, ASL, large print programs, and a masking section for those who wish to wear masks. There is even a sensory room.
That is thorough. A sensory space is quite advanced. There is more understanding of neurodivergent people. More adults are being diagnosed with forms of autism.
The sensory room is for people who need quiet or who do not need to be quiet. It is a space to enjoy the program on their own terms, so that everyone can enjoy it.
3Arts and other organizations are so important to keep the arts going. Without the arts, there is no civilization. In the current American climate, it is clear that education and the arts are not a priority.
In times like these, when things are uncertain, it is artists who hold the creativity and the tools to build something different. They have the tools and the drive. Artists will get us through these challenging times. Artists are essential workers. Everything feels polarized and uncertain. It is the artists who will pull us through.
So the big awards ceremony is coming up. It sounds like it will be quite the affair.
We are so excited for this year, with more artists being awarded. We have a spectacular program this year. D-Composed will be playing a couple of tunes. That will be led by a former awardee, Caitlin Edwards. The Chicago Immigrant Orchestra will be performing and led by Warnees Zarour. They play instruments indigenous to their cultures. There will also be an aerial silks performance by Michel Rodriguez and Jacinda Ratcliff, who are members of Lucky Plush Productions. Another former awardee, Sylvia Hernandez DiStasi, choreographs it.
This is going to be quite the celebration. I am looking forward to being there. Thank you to 3Arts for making the artists a priority. That benefits everyone. See you at the awards.
Yes, see you there!
The 2025 3Arts Awards Celebration will take place on Monday, November 10, at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance
205 E. Randolph. The welcome reception is at 5:30 pm. The Awards Celebration and Afterparty start at 6:30 pm. For more information, please visit 3Arts.org.
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