One of the first things I did when I moved to Chicago over a decade ago was get acquainted with its independent media. I was planning to change careers, from social work to journalism, and it quickly became clear that the Reader was where I wanted to work. 

While in grad school at Northwestern, I eagerly joined the Reader as an intern, learning the ropes alongside greats like Steve Bogira. Over the ensuing years, I freelanced at the Reader while working various day jobs. The Reader was where I took my most ambitious stories. I knew the editors there cared as much about Chicago as I did—unlike with national outlets, I never had to convince folks at the Reader that a story about Chicago mattered.

I was elated to join the Reader as an editor in 2022; it was truly my dream job, to help shape the city's cultural coverage. It's a job I hope to be able to keep, and one the city desperately needs. There hasn't been a full-time art critic in the city for years, despite the fact that Chicago has two major art museums; dozens of smaller art institutions, galleries, and project spaces; three art-specific college campuses, not to mention art programs at UIC, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago, among others. Most of the work of these artists and spaces goes unrecorded. 

Your donation will help us continue the important work we do at the Reader everyday—telling Chicago stories with care and accuracy, from the art world to the music scene, and from city hall to Lower Wacker. Thank you so much for your support.

We need your help today

After more than 50 years of serving Chicago, the Reader faces imminent closure. 

Can you imagine Chicago without the Chicago Reader? We can’t either. But a perfect storm of sudden economic downturns has put us in a precarious position, without much time to spare.

We’re not giving up though. We have a clear path forward, but only if we can raise enough from enough supporters to make it through this crisis. 

If you value the Reader, and want to see it survive, please chip in now with a tax-deductible donation. 

Questions about giving? Email development@chicagoreader.com or at:

Reader Institute for Community Journalism, 2930 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 102 Chicago, IL 60616

The Reader Institute for Community Journalism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 84-3670420). Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.