Collaborative Works Is Now The Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago

A few years ago, I mentioned Collaborative Works as an interesting Chicago-based startup which organized as a limited liability partnership. Since then, times and priorities have changed and Collaborative Works have now re-organized as the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago, consisting of Executive Director Shannon McGinnis, Director of Education Nicholas Hutchinson, and Artistic Director Nicholas Phan. About the new organization:

...as we began the process in spring 2010 of clarifying our vision and redefining our mission, it became apparent that our existing business structure and model were limiting our ability to serve our musical community as effectively and economically as possible. Our new, improved vision for our organization demanded a new, improved organization, and in September 2010 we filed Articles of Incorporation for Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago (CAIC).

CAIC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and, as such, will operate solely for the benefit of its community - its supporters and its clientele. What this means is that any income generated by fees for services or tickets to events will go back into the programs that support CAIC’s mission. It also means that financial contributions to the organization are tax-deductible; we’ll be seeking financial and material support from foundations, government grants, and, most importantly, from individuals like you.

So, what’s different? Collaborative Works is winding up its business, and CAIC is taking its place. CAIC will offer the same first-rate coaching and accompanying services that Collaborative Works is known for and will expand its individual services to include master classes, workshops, group classes, and other educational programs. In addition, CAIC will provide performance opportunities for singers in the Chicago area, with specific emphasis on art song and vocal chamber music, an area of the repertoire that we are particularly excited to promote.

Best of luck to the CAIC as they embark on their new journey. If you're in the Chicago area and want to see the new organization in action, you can attend a house concert at the home of Bob and Judy Freilich on March 26 featuring soprano Juliet Petrus, tenor Matthew Newlin, cellist Michael Freilich, with Shannon and Nick on piano. This is an RSVP event, so click on the above link for contact info if you plan on being there on the 26th.