146-year tradition will continue with launch of CHQ Assembly; 2020 summer lineup includes Ben Folds, Jon Meacham, Sir Ken Robinson, Brian Greene, and others

90-day free trial provides access to robust lineup of guest lecturers, performing and visual arts, events, and more

To coincide with the commencement of the summer season, Chautauqua Institution is today announcing the official launch of a brand-new digital collective called CHQ Assembly. This collection of five digital platforms will extend the Institution’s high-caliber programming beyond its Chautauqua Lake campus and engage participants across the U.S. year-round by removing geographic, cultural, social, economic, generational and class barriers to engagement at a pivotal time in our country.

For 146 years, Chautauqua Institution has gathered members and visitors for a summer schedule of in-person and hands-on programming that centers on the most critical issues of the day through lectures, classes, arts and entertainment, and recreation. In lieu of a physical assembly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interactive CHQ Assembly collective will continue to provide access to dynamic content experiences that explore the very best in human values and enrichment through education and conversation.

CHQ Assembly was unveiled in beta test format on June 22 as the online expression of Chautauqua’s mission. The hub of CHQ Assembly is a state-of-the-art video streaming platform that offers access to an archive of past lectures and events. It will be updated throughout the summer with weekly theme-related content, available live and on-demand. Viewers will have unique access to a lineup of renowned speakers addressing thought-provoking and poignant topics that inspire conversation, solutions and positive action.

“For nearly a century and a half, assembling has been at the core of Chautauqua Institution, and based on current national dialogues, we believe access to CHQ Assembly content is more essential than ever,” said Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill. “While CHQ Assembly allows us to present our patrons with the inspiring and stimulating programming they’ve come to expect, it also allows us to open our digital doors. For the first time, we’re able to invite audiences from across the country to participate in our time-honored tradition, thereby removing barriers to attendance and engagement in a way that has implications well beyond the summer.”

During the beta testing phase, which will take place through Aug. 31, guests can sign up for a 90-day free trial. Registration grants access to the library of archival content and planned summer programming across five digital properties, with online classes available on an individual costs basis:

• Video Platform: A digital hub for all livestreamed and recorded programs. This is not merely a “window” into the Chautauqua experience. It will provide viewers with a reserved front-row, center seat to past and future lectures, worship, performing & visual arts, and recreation programs.
• Online Classroom: Remote master classes and enrichment courses for youth and adults in subjects ranging from art, music, photography, culinary arts, religion, and philosophy, to fitness, dance, history, literature, and writing. Registration is now open, priced per class.
• Virtual Porch: Weekly live and interactive video discussions designed to be secure, welcoming and intuitive to use.
• Chautauqua Visual Arts: Centered on four pillars—School of Art, Galleries, Lecture Series, and Events & Enrichment — this unique program platform leverages Chautauqua’s distinctive art- and artist-centered invitation and approach to gallery experiences, presentations and Gallery Shop interactions.
• Poetry: Chautauqua Literary Arts has been an innovative part of the life of Chautauqua Institution nearly since its founding. The literary arts will continue to innovate through the invitational art of poetry. The Poetry Makerspace will serve as a portal into the many opportunities to engage with the written word. In partnership with Kent State University’s Wick Poetry Center and others, the Poetry Makerspace seeks to bring the gift and craft of poetry to everyday lives.

Following the 90-day trial period, membership will be made available at a $3.99 monthly fee. The Video Platform and Online Classroom are already available, and all other elements will be live as of June 28.

CHQ Assembly is available online by visiting assembly.chq.org, or searching “Chautauqua Assembly” in the App Store and Google Play, and on Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV or Chromecast television streaming services to access and download the app.

For more information about CHQ Assembly, to view the calendar of upcoming events, or to register for the 90-day trial, visit chq.org/2020-assembly.