Drawing on the Mississippi. An Anthropocene River project of 2018-2019, as well as the art/research/activism initiative Deep Time Chicago, this two-day festival will uplift the voices and narratives of those whose lives and communities have been disrupted as private interests manipulate the Chicago River—even reversing its flow—to their will. This event will also reimagine possibilities for the river’s future.

Visitors will experience a sense of joy and community through dance, music, food, and connection, with knowledge-sharing and performances on the main stage, as well as curated activities and engaging art installations. Representatives from community-based organizations will offer meaningful exchanges on the question of who benefits from the Chicago River, who bears the burden, and how differently the river is experienced across Chicago.

The Backward River is a digital storytelling project from Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago.

This event is free and open to the public.

Visit the Backward River Festival website for more information.