Q&A With: Michael Green

Co-Creative Director, Chicago Humanities Festival

As sponsors of this year’s inaugural collaboration between the University of Chicago and Chicago Humanities, The Study had the pleasure of connecting with festival Co-Creative Director Michael Green to discuss the ideas shaping this year's event.

Tell us about yourself and your role.

I’m Michael Green, the Co-Creative Director at Chicago Humanities. I work with the Programming Department at the organization to curate and program our live events.

What makes Chicago’s humanities scene unique?

The humanities help us understand what it means to be human. Especially in this unique time in our culture, we can’t think of a more important question for society to consider.

Michael Green, Co-Creative Director, Chicago Humanities Festival

Michael Green, Chicago Humanities

The University of Chicago Division of Arts & Humanities has long hosted its own Humanities Day, every October since 1980. Why partner together this year?

We share an important mission and focus with the Arts and Humanities Division, and our partnership helps us to share venue and curatorial resources to expand this tradition and reach more eventgoers.

This year’s lineup includes live demonstrations, musical performances, and more. How did you select the talent for this year’s festival?

We work to include a range of voices from across the humanities and beyond, with leading thinkers who make significant contributions in the arts and literature, politics, history, and pop culture.

What can first-time festivalgoers expect from the university day on October 18?

We would encourage folks that are interested in participating on UChicago Day to take in a few different events. Attendees will see a thoughtful curation across the day that focuses in on pushing the arts and culture forward through the creative and intellectual struggle required for progress.

The Study’s All-Access Package is designed to give hotel guests exclusive access to festival events as well as the opportunity to experience the rich culture of Hyde Park. In addition to attending all of the festival sessions, what recommendations do you have for a perfect fall weekend around the UChicago campus?

The University of Chicago is a beautiful campus to walk around and resides in the lovely Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park, both with hidden histories and treasures around every corner. I mean, the Midway Plaisance from the Chicago World’s Fair runs right through the campus. Every time I visit, my imagination is transported back in time to 1893. It was the most popular attraction at the Fair, not just because it had the world’s first Ferris Wheel, but also because it exposed curious people to ideas and cultures they hadn’t learned about before. It brought a worldly understanding. And that’s what the humanities have the power to do, as well.

How can Study guests stay connected with the Chicago Humanities Festival and informed about future events?

Joining our email newsletter is probably the best way to keep informed and hitting our website at chicagohumanities.org.

Plan Your Humanities Festival Day