This exciting opportunity is for all humans who are passionate about the arts and humanities, our mission, and our participatory programs. We seek creative thinkers, arts advocates, and humans who represent a variety of professional fields, backgrounds, and communities to help shape NON:op’s vision for the future.

Becoming a board member is a great way to connect with Chicago’s vibrant arts and humanities community and to meet others who are engaged with the arts, humanities, and social justice.

Board responsibilities fall into three broad categories: Stewardship and Governance, Outreach and Development, and Expertise and Time. The following is a general overview of these categories.

Stewardship and Governance

Board responsibilities fall into three broad categories. The following is a general overview of these categories. This includes developing and supporting NON:op’s vision, mission, and strategic direction; attending board meetings and serving on at least one committee; establishing processes and culture for future boards (including board development); and monitoring NON:op’s financial health and approving the annual budget.

Outreach and Development

Outreach and Development includes serving as an ambassador for NON:op, its mission, and programs within your network; attending and inviting others to come to or participate in NON:op’s public programs and fundraising events; extending invitations to potential supporters; and increasing partnerships with external communities and organizations.

Expertise and Time

In place of a donation requirement, each board member crafts their own “commitments” after a few months on the board with input from other organizational leaders. This could include supporting NON:op through professional expertise and consultation (legal, financial, development, etc.), donating time or connections, chairing a fundraiser, or getting other individuals to make a donatation.

Send an email with the following to non@nonopera.org:

• A letter summarizing your interest in joining the NON:op Board of Directors, your connection to the organization, our mission, vision, and values, and your vision for NON:op;
• A resume, CV, bio, website, or LinkedIn profile that summarizes your qualifications.

NON:op Arts and Humanities is a Chicago-based non-profit organization that creates experimental art experiences by and for all Chicagoans. NON:op engages diverse Chicago communities with participatory projects where people use the arts to create a more just society.

Founded in 2012 by composer Christophe Preissing, over the first few years NON:op acted primarily as a producer of works that ranged from non-traditional operas to installations. In 2017 NON:op began to produce socially oriented programs, integrating performances with workshops and panel discussions, and sought to diversify artist, audience, and collaborative base. With the pandemic and the Rodney King killing, NON:op entered a third phase, shifting its vision and strategy to a decentralized structure devoted to participatory projects and community partnerships. Currently NON:op is commissioning Black artists and musicians to create new work in response to SAY THEIR NAMES (STN), and is planning a second year of Listening Across Neighborhoods (LAN).