New DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth on Reshaping Chicago’s Cultural Landscape

Recently appointed DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth shares her vision for an inclusive, accessible Chicago arts scene, shaped by the legacy of cultural icons and driven by community engagement (Photo Credit: City of Chicago). Clinée Hedspeth is deeply passionate about art, the City of Chicago, its people, and Margaret Burroughs, the legendary artist, writer, educator and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History.& Hedspeth, who was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) this Spring, takes each of these to heart, as they serve as fuel for her mission:& To reshape Chicago’s cultural narrative by fostering inclusivity and breaking down historical barriers. She is doing so through one of the city’s most visible and influential departments, which oversees everything from presenting events and managing public art to funding artists and supporting film and television.& Hedspeth recently spoke with Tacuma Roeback, managing editor of the Chicago Defender, and shared her vision of making Chicago’s creative scene more accessible, authentic and genuinely inclusive.& Tacuma Roeback: How would you describe this past summer’s events, from Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary to the various music festivals, like the Blues Fest, the House Music Fest, and Jazz Fest? What’s your...