Coalition seeks $500 million in funding for the arts in Illinois
by Staff Writer (The Times Weekly - May 25, 2021)
“Independent venues have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and we aren’t sure how long it will take to begin serving our community like we did before,” added Robert Gomez, owner of Subterranean and Beat Kitchen in Chicago, “I am glad venues are standing with the rest of the arts community. Performers, technicians, non-profit groups - they all come through our doors. We need comprehensive relief for all of the arts, because it’s all connected.” Robert Gomez is also Co-Chair of the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL).