Support the Next 25 Years
As we celebrate 25 years on State Street, we invite you to help sustain the future of the Siskel Film Center. Through programming and shared experiences, this anniversary celebration honors what we’ve built—and supports what comes next.
Ways to support include seat naming, membership, donations, and commemorative posters, each offering a different way to stay connected to the Siskel Film Center’s mission.
NAME A SEAT
Mark this milestone by naming a seat in our theaters in honor of yourself, your business, or a loved one. Seat naming is a meaningful way to support the Siskel while leaving a lasting presence in the space.
Donors are recognized with an engraved plaque on their selected seat. Opportunities begin at $1,500. To secure your seat, contact Executive Director Emily Long at elong@saic.edu.
Questions about seat naming? View details about pricing, plaque installation, recognition, and availability:
- Can I name a seat in honor of someone else?
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Absolutely. Naming a seat in honor or memory of a loved one is a meaningful way to celebrate their connection to the Siskel.
- How much does it cost to name a seat?
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Seats are available at $3,500, $2,500, or $1,500, depending on location within the theater.
- Are seat naming contributions tax-deductible?
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Yes, contributions are fully tax-deductible.
- Does naming a seat mean that seat is reserved for me at every screening?
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Seat naming does not reserve the seat for your exclusive use. We encourage you to arrive early to claim your seat, snap a photo, and share it with us!
- How long will the plaque be in place? Where will it be located?
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Plaques will remain in place for 25 years and will be installed on the back of the seat.
- Can I purchase multiple seats together?
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We’ll do our best to accommodate adjacent seat requests. Please contact Emily Long at elong@saic.edu for the latest availability.
- How long does installation take after purchase?
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Timing varies based on fabrication. Please contact Emily Long at elong@saic.edu for current estimates.
- How much text can I include on a plaque?
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Space is limited, so we recommend keeping messages concise. We’ll follow up if edits are needed.
- Are there any restrictions on plaque text?
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Yes. We do not allow derogatory language, profanity, or emojis.
- Does naming a seat include a membership?
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Not at this time.
MAKE A DONATION
As a public program of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Siskel Film Center relies on community support to sustain year-round programming, festivals, filmmaker conversations, and access to exceptional cinema.
A gift of $25 helps support our next 25 years. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
BECOME A MEMBER
Join a community of film lovers who help sustain the Siskel Film Center’s 50+ year legacy as Chicago’s largest nonprofit cinema.
Membership supports curated programming, festivals, and filmmaker dialogues while providing exclusive discounts and benefits—including a special 25% discount on select beers and wines during all 25 For 25 screenings.
PICK UP A POSTER
Take home a piece of Siskel history.
Choose from 12 limited-edition archival posters from landmark Siskel series and retrospectives, or our new commemorative poster celebrating 25 years on State Street.
Posters on display in our Gallery Café are available for purchase at the box office beginning May 29. $25 members | $35 general public