An Open Mic for Chicago Youth
A monthly space for high school students to share, express, and network.
This is your stage, your crowd, your community.
Every month we partner with the Chicago Public Library to present a space for high schools students to share, express, and network with like-minded individuals.
This event, housed in the Harold Washington, showcases randomly selected students to present a 3-minute piece of their choice. Afterward, we bring our friends to perform, teach, and inspire.
OpenMike often closes with professionals sharing about their creative process and pieces of their choosing.
Brother Mike Hawkins
OpenMike is named in honor of a very special mentor of ours, the late “Brother Mike” Hawkins.
SocialWorks’ inspiration came from Brother Mike; he educated, connected, and inspired us to pursue our passions through artistic expression. We want to celebrate and expand Brother Mike’s vision. OpenMike aims to teach showmanship, connect young artists, and inspire creativity within the next wave of Chicago youth.
58
OpenMikes
6,396
Total Minutes of Performance
12,109
Total Attendance
In The News
May 10, 2022
Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, SocialWorks, and Summer Smash Festival have teamed up to give three up-and-coming artists the chance to win $1,000 and perform at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival happening on June 19th, 2022, at Douglas Park
May 10, 2022
2022 Kids of the Kingdom Is Hiring
April 29, 2022
Chance the Rapper, Ben & Jerry’s, and SocialWorks Kick Off National Teacher Appreciation Week with Navy Pier Event
Partnerships
