Marilynn Thoma Co-Creative Directors
Chicago Humanities' co-leadership model underscores our commitment to collaboration.
At Chicago Humanities, we have two passionate co-creative directors leading our programming efforts: Michael Green and Lauren M. Pacheco. This dual leadership model enhances creativity, underscores our commitment to collaboration, and will help us reimagine our Fall and Spring Festival experience as we continue to evolve.
Both Green and Pacheco bring extensive backgrounds spanning curation, programming, artistic practice, and education within Chicago's cultural community. They are aligned with Chicago Humanities' mission to bridge communities and audiences with the essential voices shaping our contemporary moment. Together, they oversee a continuous programming calendar, anchor the signature Fall and Spring Festivals, craft unique events and engaging social encounters, and deepen collaborative relationships throughout the community. Phillip Bahar, Chicago Humanities' executive director, notes that, “The co-creative director model further supports our commitments to collaboration and to presenting a diversity of voices on our stages to inspire people across Chicago.”
About the Co-Creative Directors
Michael Green, Co-Creative Director
Michael Green (he/him) has 15 years of experience reimagining public programming in the context of museum and festival settings. He served as Programmer of Public Programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA), Director of Innovation and Creativity in the department of Learning and Public Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), and most recently, Interim Director of Programming at the Chicago Humanities Festival. Throughout his career, Michael has worked to broaden the range of voices and perspectives centered in cultural and arts institutions, and to develop programs that are accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences. Much of his work has focused in the areas of live arts, performance, and creative practice; highlights include Midwinter, a three-day arts and music festival presented in collaboration with Pitchfork at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the AIC’s Artist Connect series, which provided an important platform for the work of artists, musicians, poets and dancers from Chicago and beyond. Michael holds a BFA from Concordia University in Montreal. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Michael now lives in Oak Park with his wife and two children.
Lauren M. Pacheco, Co-Creative Director
Lauren M. Pacheco (she/her) is a curator, civic practice artist, and community organizer. A proud Chicago native and third-generation Mexican American, Pacheco’s family has deep roots in the Pilsen, Tri-Taylor, and Brighton Park neighborhoods. Lauren holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Northwestern University. She was previously Director of Arts Programming and Engagement at the School of the Arts at Indiana University Northwest (Gary, Indiana); her responsibilities included community outreach and partnership development, gallery curation, and special cultural initiatives across campus. She also served on committees supporting university DEI+ strategies and regional partnerships.
With more than fifteen years of experience, Lauren has organized a range of cultural public programs, festivals, and exhibitions. Today, she serves as a resource to policymakers and institutions in the public dialogue about issues that impact artists and creative enterprises. Her civic affiliations and volunteerism includes Landmarks Illinois, Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange, Calumet Heritage Area, The Ragdale Foundation, and serving on the Curatorial Board of Exhibit Columbus (Columbus, IN).
Lauren is co-founder of the Chicago Urban Art Society and the Slow&Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival. In Indiana, her independent arts practice explores creative adaptive reuse, public art, historic preservation, and cultural policy.
Lauren lives in Gary, Indiana with her husband, Phil, and two pit bulls.
