MISSION & STATMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

Ear Taxi Festival ‘25 acknowledges that music institutions have historically overlooked artists and composers of the global majority, often prioritizing a predominantly white, Eurocentric, and male narrative. This exclusion marginalizes voices that are essential to the full scope of contemporary music’s story. We are committed to challenging this systemic inequity by intentionally amplifying and celebrating the contributions of underrepresented creators, ensuring their work  takes its rightful place in shaping the future of our art form. 

Collaboration with Community Partners:  Our mission is to expand perspectives about what “new music” is by cultivating authentic community partnerships, and championing transparency in every aspect of our festival which requires mutual respect and shared values. We are engaged in active listening, honoring cultural traditions, and ensuring that partnerships reflect equity and co-creation rather than extraction. Our hope is  to foster long-term relationships that uplift the broader Chicago community while enriching the contemporary music ecosystem. 

Financial Structure: Our budgeting, artistic compensation, and organizational funding are guided by principles of equity and impartiality. We are dedicated to clear communication and transparent financial reporting that showcases a commitment to equitable pay for all contributors and the responsible allocation of resources that benefit the Chicagoland area through this quadrennial festival. To-date, 82.6%* of all funds raised are allocated to artist fees and production costs for the presentation of the 2025 festival.

*This number will be updated periodically to accurately reflect adjustments to our budget.

Open Dialogue: Ear Taxi Festival values dialogue as a cornerstone of growth and understanding. We actively seek feedback from artists, audiences, and community stakeholders to ensure our work remains accountable and relevant. Through public forums, artist talks, community discussions and post-performance surveys, we aim to create a safe space where all voices are heard, fostering a culture of shared learning and continual improvement. 

Ear Taxi Festival 2025 Leadership