The Logan Center Young Arts Critics Program

Logan Center for the Arts Young Critics Program Overview

2020/2021

University of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts is pleased to launch a virtual version of our Logan Center for the Arts Young Critics Program. The Critics Program focuses on providing a platform for students to critically examine performances presented as part of our school matinee season and to craft valuable and engaging written responses.

The program pairs teaching artists with teachers and their 6^th-8^th classes. Participants create blog posts that reflect the unique perspective of each student. This is a unique experience designed to support students in learning more about the dispositions, knowledge, and skills involved in critiquing artistic performance.

This year we have two schools:

John Marsh IB World School and Joyce Kilmer Elementary School

We have also added an additional component to our virtual program. We have a group of students who are participating in a Logan Center Review Team. These students are participating in Q&A sessions with the artists. We encourage you to enjoy the work of the Review team included here and at the end of each matinee program during the Q&A session.

Due to the challenges of convening in-person programs during the pandemic, we have also developed a Young Critics Review Team. This group participates in an interactive Q&A session with the artists from our matinee season. These sessions are edited and added to our virtual Matinee performances. The written responses from these students are included here as well.

Program benefits include:

Access to world-class, culturally diverse virtual matinee performances in a range of disciplines including music, dance, and storytelling presented by the Logan Center for the Arts.
Three virtual class visits led by teaching artists geared towards increasing students’ ability to view and critique art across disciplines.
Targeted instruction and critique helps students develop and express their critical responses. This unique approach to writing prompts intellectual growth and investment.
Through learning to craft blog posts students develop skills in critical thinking and writing.

Designed as a home for the creative life of the University of Chicago campus and the City of Chicago, the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts is a partner, resource, and catalyst for developing deeper cultural networks and richer creative projects citywide and beyond. The Logan Center is a place where boundaries dissolve and artistic work is amplified through a web of collaborative partners. More than just a building, it is an innovative hub for arts education for UChicago students and Chicago Public School students and families, a platform to showcase today’s most innovative creators across all media, and a locus for impactful and collaborative artistic innovations with partners in nearby South Side communities and across Chicago.

The arts are central to the mission of the University of Chicago. With a strong tradition of cross-disciplinary practices, intricately mixed with intellectual curiosity and creative energy, the University fosters a bustling arts community on Chicago’s South Side. UChicago Arts connects and amplifies the impact of the University’s nearly 100 arts organizations, initiatives, and academic programs. This work brings together the efforts of students, faculty, artists, and community partners to infuse creativity throughout the intellectual life on campus while solidifying the University’s role as a cultural destination and resource on Chicago’s South Side.