0 itemsCultural Visionary Award for Chicago
Founded in 2010, the Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago is awarded by the Music Institute to individuals who possess the qualities that six generations of the city's forebears have successfully used to advance the civic and cultural presence of Chicago: a commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens; a commitment to using the "power" of public and private partnership to expand access to diverse cultural offerings for all citizens; a commitment to advancing a strong spirit of philanthropy to build a sense of ownership and pride in our city, and; a commitment to preparing succeeding generations of citizens to continue Chicago's rich legacy of civic and cultural pride.
2022 Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago
Nancy and Scott Santi
Nancy and Scott Santi have been friends of the Music Institute for nearly two decades and wonderfully embody the characteristics of the Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago. The couple has made significant contributions to the cultural and civic vitality of our city, pouring their heart and soul into making the Chicago area a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Scott is Chairman and CEO of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), one of the Music Institute’s largest sponsors and a corporate supporter for more than 25 years. He has served on several corporate boards including W.W. Grainger and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, while his non-profit service includes board seats with the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Commercial Club of Chicago, Northwestern University, Rush University Medical Center, and Big Shoulders Fund. Specifically in the arts, Scott has served or currently serves on the boards of the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Ravinia Festival.
Nancy, an educator by background, equally uses her philanthropic prowess for good. She serves as a Trustee at Harris Theater for Music and Dance and a member of the Board at PAWS Chicago and is a member of the Women’s Board at Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute of Chicago, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.
Together, the couple co-chaired the Art Institute of Chicago’s Masterpiece 2019 Gala as well as the Lyric Opera’s “Chicago Voices” Gala in 2017. With a deeply rooted passion for accessible and quality education, both Nancy and Scott and ITW have been instrumental in the success of the ITW David Speer Academy, the Noble Network of Charter School’s first STEM campus. Nancy and Scott along with the team at ITW have been involved with the school since its founding eight years ago and have championed the administration’s recent efforts to introduce arts into the curriculum.
Nancy and Scott are also currently chairing the 20th Anniversary Fund for the LEARN Charter School Network, an organization they began supporting 14 years ago and have helped to nurture through active mentorship, philanthropy, and volunteer work. The Music Institute is proud to maintain a lasting relationship with LEARN schools through its ArtsLink program.
Past Cultural Visonary Award Recipients
2021 Linda and Bill Gantz
2020 Helen Zell
2019 Caryn and King Harris
2018 Frederick H. Waddell
2017 Susan and Richard (in memory) Kiphart
2016 Lois M. and Harrison I. Steans
2015 Mary B. Galvin
2014 Alexandra and John Nichols
2013 Jim and Kay Mabie
2012 Marilynn B. Alsdorf
2011 Sandra and Jack Guthman
2010 John H. Bryan, Joan W. Harris and Cindy Pritzker