A newly proposed “Event Promoter” ordinance in Chicago would require any events promoter to hold a license from the city and $300,00 in liability insurance. The definition of “events promoter” is so broad as to include an improv group booking its own shows, or a visiting theater company putting up a one-week run. Our city is known for its thriving arts community, but it’s not easy to maintain an independent voice in such a crowded scene; this ordinance will make the process even harder. It directly effects innumerable performance groups and spaces in Chicago, including Chemically Imbalanced Comedy.
So what can we do? We can voice our concerns to the city, in a thoughtful, respectful manner, of course. One way to do this is by contacting your alderman. Another would be to attend tomorrow morning’s city council meeting.
For a detailed description and ongoing discussion of the ordinance, please visit Save Chicago Culture. All comments collected before Wednesday, May 14 (that’s tomorrow) will be compiled and presented to the city council.
