As part of her Management Studio coursework, Héloïse Paillard and other project group members Kevin (Xuanqing) Huang, Courtney Robinson, and Jai Williams collaborated with Chicago Humanities Festival in order to create a panel exploring the interconnectedness of sustainability and the arts. The panel put Barbara Koenen, Sam Lewis II, Cody Norman, and Paige Roth in conversation with the goal of encouraging artists and administrators to view their work through an environmental lens and advocate for systemic change within and beyond the arts.

Working with Chicago Humanities Festival expanded the group’s creativity, network, and sense of community. The organization granted them the freedom to develop this project independently, from designing a website to creating posters and flyers to promote the panel. They were able to bring together their diverse skill sets in design, research, and outreach. Throughout the process, they established meaningful relationships, not only locally but also internationally, as they gathered perspectives to shape the conversation. Overall, the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration and centering care when it comes to developing sustainable practices.