Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today that $250,000 in privately raised NATO legacy funds will be donated to support the financial revitalization of the Beverly Arts Center (BAC). The center offers arts education programs and is the premier fine arts facility located in Chicago's historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.

“Chicago is home to a vibrant cultural and art community that continues to shape our future and promotes the vitality of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “For four decades, the Beverly Arts Center has given generations of children and families the ability to experience world-class art and art education. With this investment we will ensure Chicago neighborhoods remain a destination for creativity, innovation and the arts.”

The Beverly Arts Center is a nonprofit organization sustained by its members and community that offers multidiscipline, multicultural fine arts education, programming and entertainment for all ages. The BAC has classes in art, music, dance, and theater; rotating exhibitions of art by established and emerging artists; and one of the most dynamic performing arts programs in the city.

"Our community would have been devastated if the doors of the Beverly Arts Center were closed for good," said Alderman Matt O'Shea. “Thankfully Mayor Emanuel, a handful of generous donors like the Baffes & McGunn families, and Representative Hurley recognize what a vital role the arts play in our community and they've secured funding that will keep the Beverly Arts Center strong for years to come."

“The Beverly Arts Center and the communities it serves are grateful for this important support,” said Barbara O’Malley, BAC Board President. “The gifts enable the Beverly Arts Center to move forward with confidence, continuing to provide quality arts programming and entertainment.”

From the outset, Mayor Emanuel committed that Chicago taxpayers would not be responsible for any of the costs associated with hosting the NATO Summit. Federal funds and private funds raised by the NATO host committee were used to pay for the costs associated with hosting the summit, and those costs came in under budget. The remaining private funds are being used where they are needed most – directly in Chicago’s communities, to the direct benefit of Chicago’s residents.

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