2023 Hersey High School Distinguished Alumni
Recognizing Jamil Khoury (class of 1983) for outstanding accomplishments.
2023 Wallace Foundation Planning and Implementation Grant
Silk Road Rising was chosen as one of 11 grantees “selected to participate in the research-focused component of its ongoing arts initiative focused on arts organizations founded by, with, and for communities of color” for a total of $2.8 million.
2022 Theatre Communications Group (TCG) RECOGNIZE Grant
TCG provides “unrestricted funds for Black theatres, Indigenous theatres and Theatres of Color (BITOC*) based in the U.S. (including Tribal Nations and U.S. Territories).” Silk Road Rising was one of 22 theaters to receive the award. With support from DDCF, Silk Road Rising received $50,000.
2021 Chicago’s Cultural Treasures Award
On July 16, 2021, Silk Road Rising, along with 39 other Chicago-based cultural organizations, was officially designated a Chicago Cultural Treasure. The award consists of $575,000, one of the largest awards offered for the 2021 grant cycle, split over the course of 4 years. The intent of the award is to “support organizations whose mission is to enable the creation, preservation, and dissemination of art stemming from BIPOC traditions, leadership, and culture.”
2021 MacArthur Foundation Leaders for a New Chicago
On June 8, 2021, the Field Foundation in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation named Silk Road Rising’s Executive Director Malik Gillani one of 10 “Leaders for a New Chicago.” The Award aims to support “racial justice visionaries and organizations addressing systemic issues in Chicago’s historically underserved communities. The MacArthur Foundation committed $2.1 million to support the awards to recognize and support a diverse group of leaders from communities directly impacted by Chicago’s history of structural racism, discrimination, and disinvestment.”
Each Leader received a $25,000 award in recognition of past accomplishments. Each affiliated organization also received an additional $25,000 general operating grant.
2018 Chicago's Notable LGBTQ Executive
Silk Road Rising co-founder, Malik Gillani, was selected by Crain's Chicago Business as a 2018 Chicago's Notable LGBTQ Executive.
In this first-ever list by Crain's, the 88 LGBTQ featured leaders come from a wide range of sectors—finance, tech, nonprofits, media, the arts, and more. All have demonstrated that they are advancing their industries, workplace equality, and civic engagement in Chicago.
In reflecting on this honor, Malik said: "It was incredibly difficult coming out to family and friends back in the '80's and '90's, but that act led me to more fully embody all of myself and give myself completely to my work. When people are forced to hide their identities, or when culture prevents individuals from being themselves, we miss out on the contributions they could be making.
I'm so honored to be part of this list of exemplary LGBTQ leaders. These leaders inspire all of us to live our lives fully, and embrace our unique and beautiful selves."
2018 American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company Grant
Silk Road Rising was one of ten theatre companies from across the nation awarded a 2018 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Tony Awards. The award recognizes Silk Road’s unique mission, achievement of excellence in the arts, and dedication to making a local impact through arts service and educational programming. The award consisted of $10,000 grants for each of the named companies.
According to Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing, “The American Theatre Wing is so proud to be supporting these ten exceptional theatre companies. They are creating outstanding theatrical work in diverse communities large and small all across the country. Through this work they continue the theatre’s long tradition of creating dialogue, provoking thought, educating, and bringing people together. We need this now more than ever before.”
2018 Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art Building Bridges Program
In May of 2018, the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art granted Silk Road Rising a $162,500, multi-year grant to support our 2019 and 2020 seasons, which we collectively call "Crescent and Star." The grant also supports our commitment to co-producing each play with a local theatre company that has no history of presenting works from Muslim artists.
"Crescent and Star" began with Karim Nagi’s Detour Guide in the spring of 2019, which was co-produced with Stage Left Theater. It was followed in the fall of 2019 with Fouad Teymour’s Twice, Thrice, Frice..., co-produced with International Voices Project.
2017 University of Chicago Diversity Leadership Alumni Award
Awarded to Jamil Khoury on January 17, 2017. The Diversity Leadership Awards recognize University faculty, staff, students, and alumni who, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., display leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion and advancing the cause of justice and equality in our community and society.
2015 Association for Asian American Studies Community Leader Award
On April 25th, 2015, Artistic Director Jamil Khoury was honored by the Association for Asian American Studies as the 2015 recipient of the Association's Community Leader Award.
The award honors an individual who has shown exemplary leadership and service to the Asian American community at large.
Upon presenting the award to Jamil, Professor Laura Kina said, "We're so pleased to be able to recognize and honor your multiple contributions as an artist as well as an advocate for more inclusive storytelling. You've inspired a generation of artists."
2015 John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's International Connections Fund
In October of 2015, Silk Road Rising was awarded $50,000 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's International Connections Fund for an exchange with a German theater to “translate, adapt, present, and publish a play on Muslim culture to be performed in Germany and Chicago.” This award supported the translation and production of Jamil Khoury’s Mosque Alert at the Lichthof Theater in Hamburg, Germany.
2014 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame
Silk Road Rising was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame on November 12, 2014. “From the world première of Yussef El Guindi’s controversial Ten Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith, the first play ever to include a Muslim character who was both religious and gay, to the Midwest première of Julia Cho’s Durango, a play that daringly shed light on closeted homosexuality within a Korean American family, to important gay story lines in Richard Vetere’s Caravaggio, Shishir Kurup’s Merchant on Venice, and Naomi Iizuka’s 36 Views, Silk Road Rising has compiled a track record of advancing LGBT visibility and empowerment."
Artistic Director Jamil Khoury writes, “In becoming a part of Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, Silk Road Rising is not only entering truly great company, not only building upon those incredibly brave legacies, we are being affirmed by a beloved community of ours, a community that has our back against those who insist we bring nothing but dishonor and shame. In honoring Silk Road Rising, the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame is standing with those in our Asian and Middle Eastern communities, and beyond, for whom this organization is a source of hope and pride. Induction never felt so loving and right.”
2013 SAALT ChangeMaker Award
On May 19, 2013, SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together) presented its 2013 ChangeMaker Award to Silk Road Rising in Washington, D.C. The Award reads: "2013 ChangeMaker. In recognition of your commitment to social justice, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) presents the 2013 ChangeMaker Award to Silk Road Rising."
2013 Actors Equity EEO Committee Award
On March 18, 2013, Silk Road Rising's Artistic Director, Jamil Khoury, received the Actors Equity EEO Committee Award. The award reads, "The Central Region Equal Employment Opportunity Committee of Actor's Equity Association proudly presents the 2013 Kathryn V. Lamkey Award to Jamil Khoury. We salute your energy, courage, and tireless dedication to non-traditional casting and equal opportunity."
2012 John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's International Connections Fund
On November 14, 2012, Silk Road Rising was awarded $50,000 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's International Connections Fund “for collaboration with the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University in Beirut to translate, adapt, and present a staged reading by Syrian playwright Saadallah Wannus.” The translated staged reading, Rituals of Signs and Transformations, was staged in March of 2014.
2012 Chairman's Award for Inclusion & Diversity
On January 21, 2013, Chicago Sinfonietta presented its Chairperson's Award for Inclusion and Diversity to Silk Road Rising. The award honors Silk Road Rising's "tireless devotion to fostering an environment where innovation through inclusion is of the highest priority."
2011 Insight Arts Creative Movement Award
On December 9, 2011, Silk Road Rising received the Creative Movement Award from Insight Arts. The award celebrated Silk Road Rising's contributions through the arts in creating a climate for social change in the United States.
2010 American Theatre Wing’s National Theatre Company Grant
On October 25, 2010, Silk Road Theatre Project received the American Theatre Wing's National Theatre Company Grant Award at a private luncheon in New York City. The American Theatre Wing, founder of the annual Tony Awards, selected ten theatre companies to each receive a grant in the amount of $10,000.00, with 2010 marking the first time in the organization's 53-year history that it has considered theatres outside of New York City for the awards. The grant will be applied toward SRTP's general operating expenses.
According to grant guidelines, the companies have "been in operation at least five, but not more than fifteen years, have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre."
Grants Committee Chair Lucie Arnaz stated, "In a bold departure from our past grants giving program, the Wing decided to use our limited resources to bring national attention and acknowledgment to what we feel are some of the most inspiring and innovative theatre companies on our national landscape. Fewer grants for more money on a wider scale. It's a very exciting concept."
2010 Joyce Foundation Award
In the summer of 2010, Silk Road Theatre Project was awarded $100,000 by the Joyce Foundation for “continued support of capacity-building initiatives including staff salaries, program expansion, and implementing its strategic campaign.”
The Joyce Foundation culture program “supports the development, growth, and visibility of artists of color and arts organizations of color to advance racial equity and inspire creativity,” with primary focus on Chicago and an eye toward the support of arts programs in the greater Great Lakes region.
2009 Chicago Tribune Foundation
On July 29, 2009, Silk Road Theatre Project was one of 20 organizations that support programs in the arts for low-income or diverse communities awarded grants totaling $85,000.
"The chance to make a difference in the lives of children from low-income communities by contributing to their learning through the arts is gratifying and important to our company," said Jan Woelffer, Chicago Tribune Grant and Charitable Program Specialist. "Art elevates a community's standard of living and the Chicago Tribune Foundation is proud to be a part of this initiative.”
2009 Chicago Community Trust Fellowship
On January 27, 2009, The Chicago Community Trust named SRTP Executive Director Malik Gillani a 2009 Trust Fellow. The Chicago Community Trust connects the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago.
Gillani was awarded a fellowship of $30,000 to fund his professional development plans. The Trust Fellowship provides financial resources which can also cover current salary and benefits for time off, costs related to academic courses, coaching, learning from other practitioners, and other associated expenses.
“Each of these Trust Fellows represents our next generation of not-for-profit leadership,” said Terry Mazany, president and chief executive officer of the Trust. “Each Fellow has enormous talent and potential in his or her field. We are excited to see the leadership that they bring to their field and to the Chicago metropolitan area.”
2008 Saints Arts Grant
Silk Road Rising was granted $4000 by the Saints, a volunteer organization that supports primarily not-for-profit Chicago arts organizations.
2008 Google Grant
In the summer of 2008 Silk Road Rising was awarded a Google Grant. The Grant, which aims to aid nonprofit organizations by supporting advertising costs, provides its beneficiaries with free AdWords accounts, valued at up to $10,000 per month.
2008 Asian Giving Circle GRANT AWARD
On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, Silk Road Theatre Project was honored by Asian Giving Circle at the organization’s Fifth Annual Grant Award Ceremony held at Phoenix Restaurant in Chinatown. Asian Giving Circle was created to highlight challenges facing the Asian American community and encourage Asian Americans to support not-for-profit organizations addressing those challenges. Through its donor advised fund at The Chicago Community Trust, the circle provides an opportunity to contribute collectively to organizations that elevate and advance Chicagoland’s Asian American communities.
Silk Road Theatre Project was awarded a $7000.00 Fundraising and Capacity Building Grant. The grant was earmarked to support Silk Road’s strategic fundraising and capacity building efforts as the company aims to become a nationally recognized, permanent artistic institution in Chicago.
2008 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theater Award
On March 31, 2008, at the League of Chicago Theatres Showtime Gala held at The Historic Auditorium Theatre, Broadway in Chicago honored Silk Road Theatre Project with its Emerging Theater Award. The award provides a $5,000.00 cash gift and a marketing support package that includes a full page ad in a Friday and Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune. To be eligible for the award, a company must be a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, have been in existence for at least three and no longer than ten years, and have demonstrated artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility in business practices.
“We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Silk Road Theatre Project,” said Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago and Chair of the League of Chicago Theatre’s Foundation. “We are thrilled to be working with a neighbor in Chicago’s Downtown Theater District, and a company that has distinguished itself with its cross-cultural message. This diversity is indicative of all that makes Chicago’s theater community the envy of the country.”
2008 City of Chicago Human Relations Award
On January 29, 2008, at the 61st Annual Human Relations Awards Presentation held at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, the Chicago Commission on Human Relations honored Silk Road Theatre Project with its Human Relations Award. The award is presented annually to individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to the improvement of human relations in the City of Chicago. Silk Road was commended for “outstanding achievements in promoting cross-cultural interactions” and “its efforts in using the theatre as a means of fighting discrimination and prejudice.”
“The 2008 Human Relations Awardees exemplify the spirit of inclusion, respect for all, and the power of diversity,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “The City of Chicago is proud to have this outstanding group of individuals and organizations as our own and we applaud their success.” The other awardees were: Carrie von Sagun-Steiner, Chicago Police Officer; Chinese American Service League; Clarence N. Wood, President/CEO Jane Addams Hull House Association; and Harry Porterfield, Journalist and ABC 7 Chicago News Reporter.
Asian American Institute 15th Anniversary 2007 Milestone Award
On Thursday, April 26, 2007, the Asian American Institute (AAI) honored Milestone Makers in the Asian American community. The award highlights the achievements of community members who have excelled in their field.
The 2007 Milestone awardees were Tatsu Aoki, Barton Moy, and the Silk Road Theatre Project.
2007 Chicago Community Trust’s Lester and Hope Abelson Fund for the Performing Arts (the "Hopie")
On September 28, 2007, at a pre-opening ceremony held in Pierce Hall at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, the Chicago Community Trust honored Silk Road Theatre Project with its inaugural “Hopie” Award. The Lester and Hope Abelson Fund for the Performing Arts honors the legacy of Hope Abelson, an arts icon who is sorely missed, particularly in the Chicago theatre community.
Marking the first anniversary of Hope’s death, the inaugural awards were presented to two emerging theatre companies that exemplify the innovation, creativity and inspiration that Hope intended: Congo Square Theatre Company and Silk Road Theatre Project.
2007 Columbia College Chicago’s Arts Entrepreneurship Award
On September 26, 2007, at a ceremony held at the Union League Club of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fine & Performing Arts honored Silk Road Theatre Project with its Arts Entrepreneurship Award. The program awards both for-profit and not-for-profit arts organizations and/or individuals that have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills, innovation, willingness to take risks, leadership and management.
Arts entrepreneurs recognize and take advantage of opportunities that broaden the cultural, educational and entertainment values of the arts. Entrepreneurship in the arts includes, but is not confined to, such activities as the creation of successful new arts organizations, developing new ventures within existing arts organizations, the creative development of new or expanded facilities, as well as the development and expansion of the prospective audiences.
2007 Asian American Institute’s Milestone Makers Award
On April 26, 2007, at a ceremony held at the Mid-America Club of Chicago, the Asian American Institute honored Silk Road Theatre Project with its Milestone Makers Award, recognizing the organization’s contributions to the Asian American community and the Asian American arts.
Milestone Makers are distinguished for combating stereotypes of Asians and Asian Americans, and for advancing the overall profile of Asian Pacific communities.
2006 Changing Worlds Immigrant & Refugee Contributions Award
On November 20, 2006, at a ceremony held at Hot House, Changing Worlds honored Silk Road Theatre Project’s Founding Executive Director Malik Gillani. Gillani received the Immigrant & Refugee Contributions Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts and was recognized for “expanding representation of immigrant communities on Chicago's stages.”
Changing Worlds is an educational arts nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster inclusive communities through oral history, writing and art programs that improve student learning, affirm identity, and enhance cross-cultural understanding.
