America 250

YOUmedia Alumni Workshop: From Self to Sound

Notable YOUmedia program alumni — singer/songwriter Jamila Woods, rapper Saba, and jazz trumpeter and record producer Nico Segal — return to lead a special youth activation in the OPC's state-of-the-art Media Suite. This interactive workshop focuses on music creation and storytelling inspired by the spirit and themes of America 250. Teen participants are guided through experimentation exercises covering lyric writing and audio storytelling, exploring how these creative forms can reflect and shape their vision of America's future. The workshop concludes with a live performance cypher. Free and open to teens — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create alongside some of Chicago's most celebrated young artists.
Event Details
Wed, Jul 29 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Forum Building
Admission
This event is free. Please bring your confirmation email with your digital ticket(s).
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Plan Your Visit

Forum Building

The Forum Building is a vibrant community center that celebrates creativity and innovation. The Forum’s two levels are brought to life through power performances at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, creative forms of expression in the Media Suite, and collaborative thinking in the Democracy in Action Labs. The Forum also features the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, Tafari’s Kitchen, our Cafe, two courtyards, and one-of-kind pieces of art by Theaster Gates, Spencer Finch, and Tyanna Buie. Monday | 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Good to Know

Explore helpful resources regarding transportation, accessibility services, and on-site amenities before you arrive.

More America 250

Explore America 250
  • An illustration in a bold-line, distorted-proportion style featuring a massive hand and arm covered in a textured collage of colorful torn paper, a hallmark of artist Mark Bradford's work. The hand holds a large, similarly textured map of the United States. In the background, the modern architectural buildings of the Obama Presidential Center campus are depicted under a pale yellow sky, with a small sign that reads "Layers of America: Mark Bradford." A tiny figure in the bottom corner looks up at the scene, emphasizing the exaggerated scale of the hand.

    Mark Bradford: Layers of America

    Tue, Jul 21

    Join OPC commissioned artist Mark Bradford for a public conversation and hands-on youth artmaking workshop exploring America's layered history.

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  • Hamilton The Movie

    Tue, Jul 21

    Bring a blanket and join us for the OPC's inaugural Movies on the Plaza screening of the filmed Broadway production of Hamilton.

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  • Encanto Movie Screening

    Tue, Aug 11

    Bring the family for an outdoor screening of Disney's Encanto with pre-film art activities by Hyde Park Art Center and live music performances.

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  • Podcast Production: Keys to Success in Sports Media

    Thu, Aug 20

    Teens produce their own sports podcast segment guided by ESPN journalist Mina Kimes and Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark in the OPC Media Suite.

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