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Project Millennium: January 1, 1999 - December 31, 1999

The approaching millennium provided us with a unique opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the nature and significance of our lives and accomplishments, our cultures and histories, our universe and its future. The mission of this ambitious project is to bring the citizens of the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, the Midwest region and beyond together with the area's exceptional institutions of learning and artistry. 185 cultural, educational, research and community organizations assembled to create Project Millennium, a year-long, cooperative, public program that includes hundreds of exhibits, performing arts productions, readings and lectures, film series, children's events, and more.

Project Millennium programs are organized by the following themes: Origins, Environment, Discovery and Technology, Shaping Community, New Directions and Transitions. Throughout 1999, these six themes unfolded sequentially over two-month periods.

In addition to coordinating the offerings by contributing organizations, Project Millennium created core programming, including: a speaker series, a World Wide Web site, public celebrations and events, and two guidebooks, one each for children and adults.

Adult Education Guide

Millennium Conversations, an adult learning resource, is being prepared by a panel of educators from nearly 20 organizations. This publication will feature book, audio and video suggestions related to each theme. Create ideas such as establishing a book group or salon are also included.

For Children

All Project Millennium programs are considered by the organizing institution to be appropriate for families. There are some exhibits and performing arts programs that are particularly suitable for kids under ten. "Kid Friendly" programs will be identified in Project Millennium printed materials.

Millennium Adventures, a fun and educational guide, will be distributed to children free of charge. This calendar is targeted to kids ages five through ten, and is created by a panel of educators from participating organizations. Fun and challenging puzzles, games and special activities will encourage children to attend programs and to think about and discuss related topics.

Schedule Information

Theme Schedules will be produced and distributed prior to the launch of each theme. Schedule information will be available by phone and at a special Project Millennium web site.

Locations

Programs and events will take place at venues across the City of Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Admissions and Fees

Admission and ticket prices are determined by participating organizations. On occasion, many offer "free days" or discounted tickets.

Advisory Board

The Project Millennium Advisory Board is composed of leaders from a cross-section of museums, performing arts groups, government agencies and the scientific community. Board members have participated in the development of project themes, offered expertise and volunteered time. (A complete list of members is available.)

Funding

Participating organizations are responsible for funding their own programs. Funding for Project Millennium is expected to come from corporations, government agencies and foundations. Project Millennium does not expect financial contributions from participating organizations.

(This information is adapted from a Project Millennium press release, March 26, 1998;
contact Julie Zander, Public Relations Coordinator, (312) 922-9410 x541)

Return to UIC's Project Millennium home page