The Chicago Wallace Audience Engagement Network (CWAEN) is a collaborative project among The Wallace Foundation, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and The Chicago Community Trust. This learning network was established in 2006 to foster arts engagement in Chicago.
CWAEN provides a series of learning opportunities for arts and culture organizations, exploring research, strategies, and tactics to increase audience demand for the arts. These "learning circles" are presented by experts in the field to small groups, in an interactive format. Marketing staff and senior leadership from arts organizations with budgets under $1 million are eligible to participate.
In addition, CWAEN hosts a series of Open Forums, at which small arts and culture organizations can explore topics of relevance through keynote speeches and panel discussions.
