Constellation

Mike Reed and Links Hall announce a new collaborative arts venue in the former Viaduct Theaterat 3111 North Western.  Mike Reed, the 38-year old Chicago-based musician,composer and presenter, and Links Hall, the 35-year old experimental performance incubator, will open Constellation in April 2013.  The two-studio performance space will further Mike Reed’s experimental music programming and Links Hall’s mission to encourage artistic innovation and public engagement by providing flexible programming for the research,development and presentation of new work in the performing arts.

Mike Reed and Links Hall’s Director Roell Schmidt met in 2011 when they were appointed by Mayor Emanuel and Commissioner Michelle Boone to Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council.  After working together on the cultural plan, the possibility of collaborating on a new space coalesced when Reed learned that the Viaduct owners Whitney Blakemore and Robert Whitaker were looking to sell. Constellation was formed with Links Hall as the main tenant and programmatic partner.  The space will serve as a nexus for new art created by emerging through established artists in music, dance, performance, and hybrid forms. 

 “We congratulate Links Hall and Mike Reed on  this new collaborative arts venture,” said  Michelle T.Boone, Commissioner of the Chicago  Department of Cultural Affairs and  Special  Events. “Constellation will elevate and expand  the cultural assets of the Avondale, Logan  Square and Roscoe Village neighborhoods, foster  cultural innovation, and help the City attract and retain artists and creative professionals in Chicago – all  of which are priorities of the Chicago Cultural