THE CALAMITY
Calamity is the touchstone of a brave mind, that resolves to live and die free, and master of itself. The combatant brings no mettle into the field, that was never bettered; he that has lost blood, and yet keeps his stomach; he that has been under his enemy, and worsted, and yet comes on again, and gathers heart from his misfortunes-that is the man of hope and courage.
-Seneca
A Calamity is often regarded as an event or circumstance that impedes the growth or trajectory of a given group. One does not have to look far within the Chicago, national, or international landscape to see a wide variety of such Calamities that are infringing on the world around us. It is our belief, however, that these Calamities are not only surmountable, but are in fact a great opportunity for individuals and organizations to foster conversation, develop creative solutions, and--ultimately--to do good.
The Calamity seeks to provide non-capital resources to Chicago artists and arts organizations operating with an eye towards social practice for the purposes of helping grow a more robust arts scene within the City of Chicago, creating avenues for the arts to solve social problems, and aiding individuals and organizations not eligible for traditional means of support.