NALAC 2026 Chicago Regional

NALAC 2026 Chicago Regional

A convening of local and regional artists, organizations, and changemakers in Chicago

November 12 - 14, 2026  ·  University of Chicago - Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society
Creative Communities, Collective Futures

We invite you to join us in Chicago, IL, November 12-14, 2026, for an exciting gathering with community members, arts and culture practitioners, as well as local and national leaders. Together, we'll connect, spark ideas, share experiences, and celebrate the creative energy shaping our communities across the Chicago region and beyond.

Celebrate the opening of the 2026 Chicago Regional on Thursday, November 12, with an Opening Reception at Co-Prosperity. Connect with Chicago’s vibrant arts and culture community, build new relationships, and enjoy special performances.

Two full days of interactive sessions and presentations begin November 13-14 at the University of Chicago Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society. Attend workshops, panels and artist talks, and performances led by local and regional artists, culture bearers, and organizations.

Add your voice to lively, curated post-presentation dialogues between local and national leaders who’ll share their insights and expertise. The convening will cover topics that range from community archiving, youth organizing, and professional development to artistic practice at the intersection of public policy and community well-being. 

Registration is required to attend the Opening Reception and Days 1 and 2 of the Regional, including any individual presentations or performances you wish to attend. Space is limited, so register early to reserve your place!

Agenda

Thursday, November 12
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us as we gather at Co-Prosperity to celebrate the opening of the 2026 Chicago Regional.
Friday, November 13
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Registration opens for Day 1 of the Chicago Regional onsite at the Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Welcome to Day 1 of the 2026 Chicago Regional
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
with Melita Morales (Chicago, IL), ft. national respondent Eva Cardenas (Rapid City, SD)
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Enjoy lunch and connect with fellow artists, community members, arts and culture practitioners, and speakers.
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
with Contratiempo (Chicago, IL), ft. national respondent Josh T. Franco (Colorado Springs, CO)
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
with William Estrada (Cicero, IL) and Iván Arenas (Chicago, IL), ft. local respondent Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (Chicago, IL)
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Enjoy refreshments with fellow attendees.
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Featuring: Aori Botanical (Cicero, IL), Chicago Lotería (Chicago, IL), La BROCHA (Chicago, IL), La Niña Chamoy Candies (Chicago, IL), Los Amigos Books (Chicago, IL), VDO Studios (Chicago, IL), and more!
Saturday, November 14
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Registration opens for Day 2 of the Chicago Regional onsite at the Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Welcome to Day 2 of the 2026 Chicago Regional
"Aztec Dance" with Nahui Ollin Aztec Dance (Chicago, IL) and "Butterfly Fandango" with Son Monarcas (Chicago, IL)
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
with Monica Trinidad (Chicago, IL), ft. national respondent Álvaro Daniel Márquez (Los Angeles, CA)
with Yaritza Guillen (Chicago, IL) and Sophia Guadalupe Padgett Pérez (Chicago, IL), ft. national respondent Pantaleon Florez III (Lawrence, KS)
with Mariachi Los Pumas de Jovita Idár Elementary School (Acero Schools), (Chicago, IL)
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Enjoy lunch and connect with fellow artists, community members, arts and culture practitioners, and speakers.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Join us for a toast as we close out the 2026 Chicago Regional

Speakers, Performers, and Vendors

No records found.

Mercado

Aori Botanical with Laura Resendiz and Aloni Davida Vallejo

Āori Botanical is a Chicago-based natural cosmetics brand rooted in pre-Hispanic Mexican traditions.

Carlos Barberena + William Estrada + Justseeds Artists' Cooperative

Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative is a decentralized network of 40 artists creating graphics and designs.

Chicago Lotería

Chicago Lotería is a Chicago-themed version of the Mexican bingo game, Lotería, created by Graeson Idalio Rosa.

La Niña Chamoy Candies

Natural Tamarindo paste Chamoy made with natural ingredients, hand-made chili powder in pre-pack containers.

Los Amigos Books

Los Amigos Books is Chicago's Spanish-language and bilingual bookstore and distributor.

Made by Clau with Clau Rocha

Bold, illustrative perzines, artist books, and prints

Tiendita La BROCHA with Judith Susan Rocha, Ph.D., LCSW

La BROCHA provides free art programming in the Chicagoland area to Spanish-speaking elders 60+ years old with a special invitation to those living with dementia and/or Parkinson's.

VDO Studios with Vero Orozco

Apparel and merchandise that promote inclusion, connection and understanding.

No records found.

Supporters

Making this convening accessible and open to all is an important part of NALAC’s work. We're grateful for to our supporters and partners for their investment in this gathering and the connections, conversations, and possibilities it will inspire.
Thank You to Our 2026 Chicago Regional Supporters

More Information

Getting Around Chicago

Getting Around Chicago

We're proud to partner with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) as the Transit Access Partner to help attendees get to and from the Convening. Through this partnership, we're excited to offer all registered attendees a CTA transit card with a preloaded balance, included in their materials at on-site check-in, to help you get around Chicago and stay connected throughout the Convening. 

CTA is a proud supporter of NALAC and one of the best ways to get around Chicago. Several CTA bus routes serve the area near the Neubauer Collegium, including #6, #10, #15, #26, and #55.

Traveling by train?
The Garfield Green Line station offers a connection to the #55 bus, which will get you close to the Convening.
Find the best route for you using the CTA Trip Planner.

Explore Art Along the Way
Did you know that many CTA rail stations feature public art? As you travel across Chicago, check out some of the works highlighted by our partners at CTA:

Explore the full collection at CTA Public Art.

Looking for Other Transportation Options?
The University of Chicago offers additional transportation resources for navigating campus and the surrounding Hyde Park neighborhood.
Explore Other Transportation Options

FAQs

FAQs

Q1: Is there a cost to attend the 2026 Chicago Regional?
A1: No. Making this convening accessible and open to all is an important part of NALAC’s work. Thanks to the generous support of our partners and supporters, we’re able to offer it at no cost to attend. If you’re able, we invite you to make a donation to help support NALAC's work. All contributions are voluntary and nonrefundable.

Q2: I can only attend one day of the 2026 Chicago Regional. Is it possible to get a single-day pass? 
A2: Yes. When registering, you can select each day individually or select multiple days: Welcome Reception, Day 1 or Day 2 of the Chicago Regional.  Please select each day you plan to join us. 

Q3: Is the venue accessible?
A3: Yes. The building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and meets 21st-century modern accessibility standards. 
Elevator Access: Multi-floor areas—including the public exhibition gallery, reading room, and conference spaces—are accessible via elevators.
Restrooms: The building is equipped with accessible restroom facilities.

Q4: I am planning to drive to the event. Where can I find directions and parking information?
A4: If you plan to drive, please refer to these directions to campus or get driving directions in Google Maps. You may view a map of visitor parking options here.

Q5: Will food or snacks be available at the event?
A5: Yes. The Welcome Reception will include beverages and light food. During Days 1 and 2 of the Chicago Regional, light breakfast and lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided each day. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

Location

Location: University of Chicago - Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society, 5701 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, IL 60637