North Park and the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) have partnered to offer all North Park undergraduate students free admission to the AIC. The University Partner Program also includes special exhibitions, virtual programs and lectures, professional development, an invitation to , and two dates during the academic school year for the entire North Park community to enjoy free admission.
North Park鈥檚 Student Engagement office presented the idea of being part of the partnership opportunity to one of its very own students, Emily Underwood, an Education and Art major. As the fine arts representative in Student Government, Underwood sat side-by-side with Student Engagement staff members to plan the program and make it a reality.
鈥淚f Student Engagement sees that you have an idea, they work tirelessly to make sure you are connected with the right people to make it happen,鈥� said Underwood. 鈥淚 am so excited to have been a part of this which I know will be used and loved by North Park students,鈥� added Underwood.
Viewing Chicago as an extension of the classroom, North Park鈥檚 curriculum integrates experiential learning opportunities spanning the arts, sciences, nonprofits, ministries, businesses, and civic organizations.
Gabriela Vazquez, Student Activities Coordinator, is always looking for opportunities for students to engage the city. 鈥淗aving the ability to create customized events and access to the wealth of resources at such an important museum aligns with North Park’s city-centered, intercultural and Christian distinctives,鈥� said Vazquez.
鈥淏eing involved in this partnership opens up even more opportunities for the city (Chicago) to be a part of our classroom. The art world can be brought into every classroom,鈥� said Underwood.
In addition to free admission for all undergraduate students with a valid North Park ID, the partnership benefits also offer:
- AIC鈥檚 renowned encyclopedic collection, archival materials in the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, lectures, and programs
- 50 general admission tickets for faculty, staff, and other guests
- 10% discount on first time memberships (up to Member Plus level) for North Park students, staff, and faculty (excluding student and e-member levels)
- Two virtual opportunities
- Invitation to Jobs at Art Museums (JAM), an annual museum career awareness event
- Opportunities for special professional development programs
- Concierge service for planned group trips, meetings, classes, or tours
Complementary admission to AIC is valid through January 31, 2023.