The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation funds many Chicago theaters, dance companies, music groups and other mostly small arts organizations. In recent weeks, the foundation has conducted a comprehensive survey of its grantees, asking a variety of questions as to how they were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results, shared this week with the Tribune, offer a fascinating snapshot of a more difficult cultural life in a changed city.
…
“We have gone farther this year than ever before when it comes to bringing our loyal fan base into the fold, so to speak, because we have noticed how fulfilling it is on both sides to continue building a sense of unity and teamwork in spite of our physical isolation,” wrote the Chicago music group known as Spektral Quartet, echoing similar responses from theater and dance companies.