Chiesa Nuova is a Franciscan performing arts ministry and venue located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1995, Chiesa Nuova (Italian for "new church") bears the name of a Franciscan church in Assisi, Italy - Chiesa Nuova. The mission of Chiesa Nuova is to witness God’s beauty and love through the performing arts by inviting artists and the community to mutually experience the fine arts in a Franciscan atmosphere of hospitality, openness and peace.[1] The not-for-profit organization is solely supported by donations and box office receipts.[2]
Contents |
Chiesa Nuova was founded by Robert M. Hutmacher, O.F.M., in 1995. He named the performing arts ministry after the church in Assisi, Italy where we lived and studied over the course of 15 years.
Chiesa Nuova’s first public event was a mounting of the musical, Songs of Mother Earth, by Robert Hutmacher, began the first-ever public event, followed by a benefit concert by bass-baritone, Alan Held, at the Chicago Cultural Center in 1996.
Chiesa Nuova moved to its present location at 230 South Laflin, Chicago, in January, 1999. The building is an 1881 carriage house and part of the Jackson Historic District.
Chiesa Nuova presents a wide variety of artistic performances at the Laflin location and at venues and churches throughout the Chicago area. Musicians and artists in each series represent all faiths and types of music.[3] Chiesa Nuova is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres