Meet Tanya Ward | Writer; Co-Founder, Englewood Arts Collective

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanya Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanya, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The decision to live and work as a creative is a huge risk. Artists and creatives face some pretty unique struggles that deeply affect their work and personal lives. One of the biggest challenges is the ever-present uncertainty that making art as a profession brings. Unlike the more traditional crafts, creative work does not guarantee financial stability or a clear path to advancement ever. To be an artist is to be a risk-taker and a dreamer – and to be determined to DO it. Without a 401k and 2 weeks PTO, and a 5pm end time. This work requires balance between passion and life’s requirements to make a good living. When it’s good, it’s great, but feast can become elusive when famine is staring you in the face.

Creatives also face an unbelievable lack of respect when it comes to their contributions to society. How quickly the world forgot that it was art that kept us sane during the global pandemic. The world survived while streaming billions of views worth of creative work. For artists to have to justify their work in this day and age is criminal. Yet here we are. Risks abound.
Despite being integral to society’s culture, education, entertainment and economic growth, artists take a risk in just existing and living out their artistic practices.

The system of undervaluing creativity affects arts funding, art commissions, and the quality of what is being consumed by the masses. It represents a huge risk in my life and the lives of countless artists across the globe. In-demand artists, especially, are often forced to create within spaces that don’t always value the true contributions being made on behalf of the culture.

The risks play out as artists navigate between the worlds of profit and artistic integrity, as the pressure to adopt trends for broader appeal becomes more and more intense. As artists though, our charge is to keep creating and finding ways to change narratives and assert the power and importance of art as a transformational force for change in the world. Pretty risky.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been a writer and I know it’s cliche to say it happened as a child, but that’s the truth. My passion for dreaming and weaving stories out of the air made me a great communicator, which gave me some success in the professional space.

I cut my teeth in the advertising and marketing space, as a public relations pro and copywriter, with no formal education.
That was a huge challenge initially, but being a quick study and great writer/communicator helped me make the leaps.

Somehow the stars aligned for me and I was able to move into the arts & culture space, where I began working in theatre and documentary film. I made it a habit to learn everything I could, while using my marketing skills to do what needed to be done to get the word out.

A decade later, I am proud to have served as Impact Producer and Associate Producer on two-award winning documentary films (The Road Up and Being Michelle, respectively). I’m currently an Artistic Producer/Core Artist in a theatre development process to create a production based on The Folded Map Project at my theatre home, Rivendell Theatre. I’m also very proud to be a Co-founder of the Chicago-based Englewood Arts Collective. We create joyful engagements that uplift our community and support artists who are from where we’re from.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way is to be an excellent person of your word, move in love and positivity always, and set boundaries to ward off the evil that tries to snuff out light and positivity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to Summertime Chi. Toss your bags and let’s go.

Day 1:

Go on an art tour on Chicago’s South Side – Englewood Neighborhood.
See the “We Deserve Beautiful Spaces” mural and the garden and beautiful grounds at Englewood Village Plaza.
While you’re there, shop the farmers market for fresh produce and local goods at Englewood Village Market.

Stop by 63rd and Racine to grab a smoothie at the Go Green Fresh Market, then step outside to their plaza and check out another mural. Walk west a few blocks to visit the EG Woode building for yet another mural spotting, and stop in to Marie Wesley’s consigment shop for some cool finds.

Head over to Hyde Park for a late mimosa brunch at Roux, then catch a play at Court Theatre.

Day 2:
-Downtown/South Loop

Breakfast at Eleven Eleven, then a walk to the museum campus (Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium)
Take advantage of the outdoor patio for a little food and drink while you’re there.
OR grab a to-go and take one of the walkways to the lakefront for a picnic by the water.

If you have still have the energy, stop by the Elephant Gallery to catch a cool art exhibit before dinner.

Day 3.
We’re going to one of the gazillion neighborhood festivals! Randolph Street Festival or Lincoln Park Wine Fest is on deck.
We’ll spend the day, sipping, snacking and catching good vibes. Then we’ll catch a movie screening on the lawn at Millennium Park. (dinner is picnic style – be creative)

Day 4.
Let’s relax for the day and head to the Kohler Spa in the Western Burbs for some zen. Then a little retail therapy at Oakbrook Mall with dinner at Devon Grill.

Day 6 (because on day 5 we slept it off)
Your favorite artist is performing at the Chop Shop on North Avenue. Let’s grab dinner and drinks at Duplex in Logan Square, then head over to the show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout-out to my arts crew, EAC. They are a collective of professional artists and DO-ERS who live to create moments of joy for the community we serve, and shine light on the multitude of artists making their way in the space. Special mention to my mentor Steve, who taught me to lack fear and to “do it badly” so we can get it out!

Website: https://englewoodartscollective.org