A Cultural Mosaic: Chicago’s Neighborhood Tours

The Setting

Just beyond Chicago’s famed downtown are ethnic neighborhoods where cultural traditions are celebrated and preserved. But these neighborhoods faced problems common to many large cities declining employment and infrastructure. As the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) staff worked with arts organizations in these neighborhoods, it became clear that they wanted these areas to become viable cultural attractions for visitors.

What Happened Next

In 1991, DCA started with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to produce brochures and exhibits. From there, things started to happen:

• Development of van tours of the neighborhoods
• Targeted marketing to conference delegates
• Coordinated 25 cultural partners to develop Chicago Neighborhood Tours
• Created the Chicago Neighborhood Gifts Project
• Created a series of themed tours highlighting aspects of the city’s history
• Hired and trained local residents as tour guides

Results

• CNT offers 19 unique tours that employ more than 50 guides.
• Local artists have enjoyed increased exposure and sales.
• As many as 12 percent of tour guests return to shop at neighborhood stores.
• 83 percent of tour guests live in or near Chicago.
• Guest surveys indicate a 92 percent approval rating.
• An increased sense of community pride is evident in the neighborhoods.

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