Northwestern University Settlement Association

Northwestern University Settlement Association provides social services, educational programs, and the arts to underserved populations on Chicago’s west side. Arts programming has been a part of the organization since its founding in 1891. Northwestern Settlement began producing its own plays in 2004 under the name Vittum Theater, which became Adventure Stage Chicago in 2007. It is the only children’s theater with a permanent space on Chicago’s west side. In addition to its professional mainstage shows, Adventure Stage provides in-school drama and literacy residencies, conducts community engagement activities, and offers mentorship to youth. Seventy-six percent of its audiences are from low income families, the majority of which are Latino (56%) and African American (21%).

Adventure Stage is one of ten companies from around the world (and the only one from the United States) commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland to create a new work on the topic of “home”. The companies will bring their work to Scotland for public performances and community conversations. The artists are spending a week together learning about each group’s creative process and how it engages communities in its work. Adventure Stage then returns to Chicago and will revise its show based on its experience in Scotland. It will then perform the show for children in Chicago Public Schools. Award funds support direct project expenses: travel, performance, marketing and communication, educational programming costs. This is Northwestern Settlement's first International Connections Fund award.

To support an integrated arts program in the West Town and Humboldt Park communities.

For an integrated arts program in West Town and Humboldt Park.

For an integrated arts program in West Town and Humboldt Park.

For an integrated arts program in West Town and Humboldt Park.