Theaster Gates, a potter by training and a social activist by calling,
wanted to do something about the sorry state of his neighborhood on the
south side of Chicago. So he did, transforming abandoned buildings to
create community hubs that connect and inspire those who still live
there (and draw in those who don’t). In this passionate talk, Gates
describes his efforts to build a “miniature Versailles” in Chicago, and
he shares his fervent belief that culture can be a catalyst for social
transformation in any city, anywhere.
wanted to do something about the sorry state of his neighborhood on the
south side of Chicago. So he did, transforming abandoned buildings to
create community hubs that connect and inspire those who still live
there (and draw in those who don’t). In this passionate talk, Gates
describes his efforts to build a “miniature Versailles” in Chicago, and
he shares his fervent belief that culture can be a catalyst for social
transformation in any city, anywhere.
