The City of Chicago is cancelling "Music Without Borders," the international music series promoting cultural diversity in Millennium Park. "Music Without Borders" is a unique experience that serves the city in valuable ways. Offering oustanding music from around the world at a magnificent venue and at no cost to the public, these concerts are the summer highlight for thousands of people of all ages. At these concerts, diverse ethnic populations of the city unite into one community, joyfully celebrating cultural diversity and learning to appreciate "difference" as they listen and interact with each other. Recent census figures show Chicago to be the most segregated city in the nation. Chicagoans can proudly point to "Music Without Borders" as a program that puts a different face on our city. We want our tax dollars to continue supporting international music and dance. The business community also benefits both directly and indirectly. "Music Without Borders" is an attraction that helps make Chicago a world-class destination bringing both tourists and suburbanites to the Millennium Park. Please sign this petition to say WE WANT OUR "MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS"

Dear Commissioner Boone:



The city of Chicago is canceling the international music series "Music Without Borders" that is held every summer in Millennium Park. This great world music series offers a unique cultural experience and a summer highlight for many because it exposes thousands of Chicagoans and visitors to wonderful music and cultures from around the world. Discontinuing the program would represent a huge loss for Chicago and a setback for the goal of being known as a city that has the very best in arts, creativity, and innovation.



Chicagoans need this kind of programming to foster Chicago's reputation as a global cultural destination and as a city that promotes inclusion and appreciation for cultural diversity. The "Music Without Borders" series brings people from diverse ethnic populations and ages together to joyfully celebrate and learn about the beauty of cultural diversity. These concerts also encourage pride in the city, as well as intercultural integration. In the city of Chicago, which was recently cited as being the most segregated city in the nation, "Music Without Borders" provides a space for interaction between different cultural groups in the public sphere and encourages a positive attitude towards diversity and integration.

We want a portion of our tax dollars to support international music programs that promote inclusion and intercultural integration. "Music Without Borders" gives Chicago a visibility as a world-class destination, bringing visitors to the city, benefitting businesses, and helping achieve Mayor Emanuel's goal of getting 50 million visitors by 2020. We would like for the City of Chicago to reinstate "Music Without Borders" series to strengthen Chicago's reputation as a global cultural destination.