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Chicago Ideas Launches "Platforms in the Park," a City-Wide Initiative in Partnership with Xfinity and the Chicago Park DistrictCHICAGO, June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, in advance of Chicago Ideas Week (Oct 12-17), Chicago Ideas—a nonprofit platform producing premium, accessible programming and content—is excited to announce "Platforms in the Park," an initiative to connect and empower communities through local, community-led experiences. Residents, visitors, community leaders and nonprofit organizations can use the yellow "Platforms in the Park" to share their ideas through spontaneous performances, direct address, town hall-style meetings and other types of events. "Platforms can now be found in a dozen designated parks throughout the city and will bring together people from all walks of life, all neighborhoods and all backgrounds for free events throughout the summer," said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This unique initiative is being presented in collaboration with the Chicago Park District by Chicago Ideas and Xfinity." Inspired by Chicago Ideas Brain Trust Member Wendy Abrams, Chicago Ideas will also partner with community leaders and nonprofit organizations to hold events at each of the platforms. "Through 'Platforms in the Park,' our goal is to remind all Chicagoans that ideas can have great impact, and it is important to share them," said Chicago Ideas CEO Jessica Malkin. "We hope these yellow platforms serve not only as a reminder that ideas are for everyone, but also a place for every person to share their story." "The Chicago parks are hubs of cultural opportunities intended to encourage exploration, enrichment and expression," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly. "We are thrilled to partner with Chicago Ideas and Xfinity to broaden our offerings through 'Platforms in the Park.' We look forward to residents activating these platforms with impromptu performances that reflect the unique diversity of our great city." Scheduled programming will begin on June 26, and everyone is encouraged to participate spontaneously on the platforms, which will be up through the end of August. The kick-off event will celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Pride with an all-out extravaganza of poetry and performance in collaboration with the Center on Halsted. Additional events will explore an array of themes ranging from music as healing and morning workouts to a spotlight on small business and entrepreneurship and a special Navy Pier activation curated by Xfinity. "By bringing people in Chicago's 77 neighborhoods together each and every day via the Internet, Xfinity strives for impact across the city," said Matthew Summy, Comcast's regional vice president of External Affairs. "'Platforms in the Park' builds on our presence by giving people a way to connect personally with their friends and neighbors and share ideas that will benefit and celebrate our city." To learn more about "Platforms in the Park" and to get updates about Chicago Ideas and community-led events, please visit chicagoideas.com/platforms. Explore the program lineup* where speakers from local community organizations will take the stage—and see where to find "Platforms in the Park" this summer:
*Program dates and themes are subject to change. Please check chicagoideas.com/platforms for the most up to date event listing. About CHICAGO IDEAS: Follow @ChicagoIdeas on Instagram and Twitter. About COMCAST: With more than 6,000 local employees, Comcast's Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in central and northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan. "Like" Comcast's Greater Chicago Region on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. "Follow" Comcast's Greater Chicago Region on Twitter at @ComcastIllinois. MEDIA CONTACT Myriha Burce View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicago-ideas-launches-platforms-in-the-park-a-city-wide-initiative-in-partnership-with-xfinity-and-the-chicago-park-district-300871961.html SOURCE Chicago Ideas |