This year, three extraordinary Academy alumni earned a “Make A Wave” award from 3Arts, a nonprofit organization that supports Chicago’s women artists, artists of color, and Deaf and disabled artists who work in the performing, teaching, and visual arts. Robin DaSilva (Music, ‘86), Tanji Harper (Dance, ‘95), and Kara Roseborough (Dance, ‘14) and 120 other Chicagoland artists are receiving an unrestricted $4,000 grant on November 1.

Since graduating from The Academy, Robin, Tanji, and Kara have made waves of their own in the Chicago art world. Robin, a singer-songwriter, actress, educator, and advocate has spent over 20 years in the Chicago theatre scene, earning several awards for her performances, including the Jeff Award and Black Theatre Alliance Award.

Tanji, an Artistic Director and Choreographer, spent a few years touring the world with some of Hip Hop and R&B’s biggest names. After returning home, she transitioned to education as an Artistic Director where she piloted dance programs for Chicago Public School teens aged 14-18.

Lastly, Kara is currently based in Evanston where she is the Artistic Director of the Evanston Dance Ensemble 2. Her other performance credits include work with the Civic Ballet, Charleston City Ballet, South Chicago Dance Theatre, UpEnded Productions, Synapse Arts, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, and the World Dance Alliance.

In 2021, 3Arts is awarding nearly $1 Million in grants, making it their biggest year yet. To honor the award winners, 3Arts will be hosting a free virtual event on November 1. (Registration is required at 3arts.org/event.)