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34th Black Creativity Gala
January 28, 2017 @ January 28, 2017 - January 28, 2017
$350
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY TO HOST 34th BLACK CREATIVITY GALA
Annual Gala raises money for MSI’s Black Creativity programming
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago will host its 34th annual Black Creativity black-tie gala on Saturday, January 28, 2017. The Gala, planned in collaboration with a committee of prominent Chicago African-American leaders, raises money to support the annual Black Creativity programming and events, which pay tribute to the culture, heritage and scientific contributions of African Americans and help motivate youth in the sciences.
“The Black Creativity Gala is a great event because it celebrates two pillars that spark innovation: science and art,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “Every guest who attends helps us to further achieve our mission and vision to inspire kids to find creative solutions to the problems that challenge our world.”
The Gala is chaired by Cheryl Harris, senior vice president at Allstate Insurance Company. The evening will start with an expected 600 guests enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the annual Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, featuring more than 100 original works of art from African-American artists.
After cocktails, guests will head to the Museum’s Rotunda where they will enjoy elegant food stations catered by Sodexo. Dinner options will include fresh seafood, delicious New Orleans-inspired cuisine, as well as delectable desserts including made-to-order ice cream created using liquid nitrogen, and more.
Chris Spencer, actor, writer and producer, will emcee the evening’s program. Spencer has appeared in several films, including “The Sixth Man,” and also collaborated with Nick Cannon to create MTV’s comedy show “Wild ’N Out.” Spencer has worked with comedy legends including Jamie Foxx, the Wayans family, and also Kevin Hart on BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Guests will enjoy live musical entertainment from Dante Hall and the Chicago Children’s Choir, and dance the night away with DJ Nick “Nonstop” Nicholson. From 8 – 9:30 p.m., the Black Creativity Innovation Studio will also be open, providing guests with hands-on activities.
In addition to the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests will also be able to enjoy other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including Brick by Brick, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story.
About the 2017 Black Creativity Program
The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Black Creativity program invites students, teachers, families and the public to explore the legacy of rich contributions and achievements made by African Americans while encouraging deeper interest in science and technology. This year’s programing focuses on innovation, inspiring children to become innovators of tomorrow.
The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition opens January 16 with more than 100 dynamic works from both professional and amateur African-American artists from around the country, including artworks from youth artists between the ages of 14 to 17. This longest running exhibition of African-American art has been displayed annually at MSI since 1970. The Juried Art Exhibition is included in Museum Entry and open through February 19.
Also a part of the program is the Innovation Studio, an exciting space for youth to experiment and explore new ideas through making. Powered by guests’ own curiosity and inspired by science-related challenges, guests will have access to a variety of materials and tools to create solutions to issues. During these sessions, facilitators chat about innovative African Americans to help inspire young inventors about future possibilities and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and medicine. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio runs sessions for school groups by reservation throughout the week. Open public sessions are offered daily from January 21 – March 4.
Families will also have the chance to speak with the experts who make and create for a living. On Saturday, February 25, the Career Showcase will offer guests the opportunity to talk with African-American scientists, engineers and artists about their jobs, inspiring the next generation of artists and STEM professionals.
Black Creativity 2017 is presented by Allstate. Black Creativity partners are Adobe CDW, ComEd, Dover Inc., ITW, Lexus, Nicor Gas, and Peoples Gas. United Airlines is the official airline of Black Creativity. Media sponsors are Comcast and NBC 5 Chicago.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30–4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.