In July, Mark Kelly was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to succeed Michelle Boone as the new commissioner of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which presents free festivals, exhibitions and celebrations throughout the city.

Kelly accepted the position and served on an interim basis over the summer before being approved by City Council in September.

A longtime vice president at Columbia College Chicago, Kelly believes the arts are a fundamental part of every education, and an integral part of its economy.

He speaks of the arts and culture as “defining the character of the city” and has vowed to support the city's legacy of theater, music, improv, architecture and much more.

Kelly joins host Phil Ponce to discuss emerging and evolving festivals, from the Chicago Blues Festival to the Architecture Biennial. 

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