The display of 152 Ukrainian national flags provided by Auditorium Theatre, in partnership with Chicago Loop Alliance, marks the first time officially supporting a foreign country along iconic corridor
In case you were wondering about the new flags along State Street, the Chicago Loop Alliance, partnership with Auditorium Theatre and the Kyiv City Ballet of Ukraine, announces the installation of 152 Ukrainian national flags honoring Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, as well as the Kyiv City Ballet performances at Auditorium Theatre on September 24 and 25, along State Street from Ida B. Wells to Wacker Drive. The flag installation was made possible through the generous support of The Polsky Foundation and will be on display through September 25. More details can be found here.
“The Chicago Loop is a friend and supporter to all of our sister cities, like Kyiv; and during this unimaginably difficult time for Ukraine, we are honored to commemorate their independence along such an iconic thoroughfare in Chicago,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “The cultural impact of the Ukrainian people of our city, as well as the Kyiv City Ballet, influences Chicago’s vibrant cultural arts scene in ways that might often be overlooked. The historical significance of celebratory flags both enhancing the public way and praising the strength and perseverance of Ukrainians across the world is not lost on us.”
“On behalf of the Auditorium Theatre and Chicago’s expansive dance community, we greatly appreciate Chicago Loop Alliance assisting with the installation of this mile-long ‘canvas’ to showcase a rare visit by the Kyiv City Ballet,” added Rich Regan, CEO of Auditorium Theatre. “On this important day in their country’s history, we salute the company’s strength both on and off the stage.”
“We look forward to seeing our Ukrainian national flags flying proudly downtown, and to showcasing our artistry for Chicago audiences at the Auditorium Theatre. On behalf of the entire Kyiv City Ballet company, we are honored and touched by this warm welcome to the City of Chicago,” said Ivan Kozlov, Artistic Director of Kyiv City Ballet.
Chicago Loop Alliance encourages the public to further support the Kyiv City Ballet of Ukraine, in its first-ever Chicago appearance to launch the Auditorium Theatre’s Fall season in two performances only on Sept. 24 and 25. Serving as the original ballet of Ukraine for ten years, this company brings light and joy in the darkness to audiences worldwide with its exemplary ballets. Unbeknownst to the company, the Kyiv City Ballet took one of the last flights out of Kyiv before the Russian invasion. They have sought sanctuary in France, performing throughout Europe since February. Its Auditorium Theatre performances are made possible by Presenting Sponsors, The Polsky Foundation and Invenergy with additional support from the Illinois Arts Council. Tickets for the Kyiv City Ballet start at $40 and are now available by visiting www.auditoriumtheatre.org.
Chicago Loop Alliance is committed to the work of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility and continues to make a conscious effort in highlighting diverse communities. In June, as a celebration of the rich and multilayered Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, Chicago Loop Alliance installed Juneteenth and Pride flagsalong State Street. By supporting underrepresented, yet influential groups, Chicago Loop Alliance encourages the public to honor and celebrate various communities that make Chicago multifaceted and truly exemplify the Loop as Everyone’s Neighborhood.
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA)’s mission is to create, manage and promote positive and inclusive programs that attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. CLA is a membership organization as well as the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation produces public art projects and events. For more information, please visit here.
About The Auditorium Theatre
The Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive at Roosevelt University in Chicago, is an Illinois not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to all of Chicago and beyond as The Theatre for the People. The organization also is committed to the continued restoration and preservation of this National Historic Landmark that originally opened in 1889. For more information on the Kyiv City Ballet engagement at the Auditorium Theatre, September 24 and 25, please visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org.
