Once again, the whole world is watching Chicago. Our city, known for its grit and generosity, doesn’t take anything for granted, particularly free speech. Exercised nightly around dinner tables and in the streets, Chicagoans believe the open exchange of ideas isn’t just part of our daily lives but also an essential right. There are many ways to champion speech and fight censorship, and in darkened theaters, over mics, in galleries and on dance floors all across this beautiful city, on any night of the week and right down the street, you can steep yourself in the free exchange of ideas and creativity at Chicago’s many community-based arts organizations.

At first blush, the arts might seem like a nice extra. Concerts are fun. Who doesn’t like a familiar show during the holidays? Yes, the ar

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