On May 15, artist Ace participated in a Flip a Beat Club Chicago (FABC) event at Nighthawk, a bar and art space in Chicago. Ace crafted beats using an MPC with samples provided by the club. The event was livestreamed.
Nighthawk, located in Albany Park, has transformed from a local bar into a vibrant arts venue. David Chavez, involved in cultural programming for the city, spoke about reimagining Nighthawk with his family. David, along with Juan Bermudez, Sam Bermudez, and Ana Bermudez, became managing partners of the venue in early 2025.
The venue hosts diverse events like live music, visual art exhibitions, and film discussions. Chavez emphasized the importance of activities beyond consuming alcohol, aiming to provide art-making, drawing, and conversations about current events. Nighthawk seeks to blend arts and activism.
The venue also supports community initiatives, including a food pantry and fundraisers. Albany Park experienced increased immigration raids, prompting Nighthawk to organize whistle kit-making gatherings, highlighting their community-focused mission.
Meanwhile, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) in Chicago’s South Side engages in community activism. IMAN, led by founder Rami Nashashibi, uses arts to address issues like immigration enforcement. The organization connects health, wellness, and healing, using arts for activism and community cohesion.
Nashashibi stressed the integral role of arts in their mission, along with organizing and community support. At IMAN’s ceramics studio, arts help navigate challenges and envisage a better future.
In mid-May, IMAN held a street fair in Englewood, providing affordable food options after federal food aid cuts. This highlights IMAN’s role in community support.
Nighthawk and IMAN share a commitment to local art and activism, enhancing community resilience and spirit.
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