Participants receive wages for working, so program provides jobs and education simultaneously. Neighborhood theaters continue to hang on despite lean times, providing newer actors a foothold in city with thriving commercial theaters and well-established pipeline to Hollywood. Of 60 community and citywide companies, many are in converted storefronts in north lakefront neighborhoods. Big success in black community is ETA Creative Arts Foundation, which produces 11 shows per year. Building is architectural jewel, built in 1897 with elaborate mosaics and beautiful performance and exhibit spaces.
Many organizations receive consistent support from wealthy donors and large foundations.
But core support for community theaters, galleries, film centers, and musical, dance and performance ensembles depends on memberships and subscriptions. Rabkin and Solotaroff are former arts administrators. Area is home to 30,000 artists. He has contributed to many catalogs and books, and is fiercely independent. Community life is documented through three video projects.