The Culture Experience was founded two years ago by the mother-daughter duo of Alice Ivy-Wilson and Haley Williams as an initiative that invites you to connect with others and embark on a journey that demystifies cultural experiences. Earlier this year, TCE entered into a residency contract with the Pasfield House in Springfield, a historic venue […]
Jamila Wicks
Jamila Wicks has over 20 years of experience working in government and nonprofit organizations, with the last eight years focused on arts and cultural institutions. She currently resides in Decatur while working in Springfield. Wicks is originally from Georgia and holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.
Posted inNews
Increasing community offerings
The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is closed for an expansion project to create more space for authentic storytelling, interactive exhibitions and community building. When the museum reopens in the fall, visitors can expect a more engaging experience with improved digital content and interactive pieces. “When we reopen, I’m hoping it will be […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Expressions in the Dark returns with monthly poetry events
Expressions in the Dark is returning to Springfield in its original monthly format this April, coinciding perfectly with National Poetry Month. For two decades, Kimberly Moore and her team have worked to cultivate a platform for the art of spoken word poetry. They are bringing back the popular monthly open mic night, Expressions in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bullets Over Broadway
Bullets Over Broadway The show is lively if not timely THEATER | Jamila Wicks The production of Bullets Over Broadway at The Legacy Theatre has a few enjoyable moments. However, it does not fully meet expectations in terms of providing “the best medicine for the times,” as the musical’s director, Chaz Wolcott, hopes. In his […]
Posted inArts & Culture
African American History Museum expands outreach
Nalo Mitchell’s “aha moment,” after serving two months as the inaugural executive director of the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, is the willingness of individuals to share their personal and familial histories, even if they are difficult or emotional, and how it has shaped them as individuals. These stories continually improve and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Solid Purple
The Springfield Theatre Centre’s production of The Color Purple is an absolute musical delight. The cast and crew put their hearts and souls into bringing the story to life, and their passion and energy are contagious. You might even find yourself tapping your foot to the music. Nevertheless, The Color Purple puts generational trauma experienced […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Building community and kids
Garvey-Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center is well ahead when it comes to providing support services to the whole family throughout Springfield. “We are the only organization in Springfield providing services based on cultural, emotional and educational support,” said Executive Director Shatriya Smith. Moreover, the support services Garvey-Tubman provides are crucial and unwavering. Recently, after […]
