Chicago's arts scene continues to fight back from a "crisis" driven primarily by the pandemic. And there's still plenty to look forward to in 2024.

• Here are some issues and events we're watching in the arts this year.

🎭 Theater rebound?

Low attendance has forced theaters to cut staff or go dark completely in recent years, which both Victory Gardens Theater and Lookingglass Theatre did.

Flashback: Chicago released a report last fall about the dire straits of the performing arts scene, with attendance down nearly 60% from 2019 to 2022.

Yes, but: There are exciting things ahead, including Chicago Shakespeare's staging of Sufjan Stevens' beloved "Illinoise" album this month and February's annual Theatre Week, which spotlights Chicago's robust storefront scene.

🪧 Staff unions

Workers at arts organizations demanded better pay, benefits and job security last year.

The latest: Members of The Second City's teachers union voted in November to authorize a strike if their bargaining team deems it necessary and have not accepted what The Second City management says was its best and final offer.

Of note: The Second City is opening a theater this month in Brooklyn.

What we're watching: As part of its contract deal to end a strike involving part-time faculty last month, Columbia College is reinstating some courses the arts-focused school had cut.

• Many of the instructors who were on strike are working artists in film, dance, visual arts and other areas.

📍 Art beyond downtown

Art Design Chicago is showcasing exhibitions from the North Shore to Grand Crossing. It runs until 2025.

Details: This is a great way to experience visual and performance art beyond the big-name venues. Check out:

• Neighborhood spaces, like Mana Contemporary
• Newer spots, like Center for Native Futures
• International venues, such as Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture

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The Census Bureau failed to count 46,400 Illinois residents living in group homes in the 2020 census, according to figures released this week.

Why it matters: Illinois has missed out on millions of dollars in federal funding due to the omission. The corrected figures will bring in additional funds "for crucial programs," Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement.

By the numbers: The updated data counters a pervasive narrative that Illinois lost population in the last census. It probably offsets the loss of nearly 33,000 Illinoisans reported in the 2023 census update released last month.

Catch up quick: Last spring. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi told Axios that for years he had been urging the Census Bureau to update flawed methodology, with no response.

• The state submitted an official request to review inaccuracies in the census data in September, and the Bureau approved the finding this week.

What's ahead: "This correction will … help to ensure future counts reflect the true number of Illinois residents," Pritzker said.

Despite our initial skepticism, we found boating in a hot tub pretty cool.

What happened: Last month we accepted a press invitation from Chicago Electric Boat Co. to try out its first-ever Chicago River hot tub cruises and then offer our honest opinion.

How it works: Riders reserve the boats online for $158 per hour, fill out waivers and then show up at the Marina City dock.

• There, boaters change into swim gear, stow clothes in lockers, get a safety tutorial, and take off.

Vibe: So much fun! On a sunny 45° day, we felt like celebrities, drawing envy from working stiffs who waved and snapped pics of us from the bridges.

Yes, but: The boat has an 800-pound limit, and its waiver requires all riders to disclose their weight on one form per group. Awkward!

• Steering is pretty hard, and, thus, designated drivers aren't allowed to drink.
• Water temp dropped to a chilly 94 during our hourlong ride.

The intrigue: Yes, we've seen the recent blurry online photos of potentially nude Chicagoans getting cozy in a hot tub boat. No, it wasn't us.

• Boat company reps tell Axios they reported that violation to authorities and assure us they clean all boats in between riders.

Pro tips: Reserve well in advance, because slots, which run through April, are filling up.

• Bring your own flip-flops, towel and waterproof phone case, or you may have to buy them at the dock.
• Prepare some fire playlists for the Bluetooth speaker on board.

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🗳️ Illinois joins more than 15 states challenging former President Trump's candidacy over the 2021 insurrection. (WBEZ)

🚍 More suburbs including Hinsdale, Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Highwood and Grayslake have passed ordinances against unscheduled migrant buses. (Tribune)

🎤 Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel will perform at Soldier Field for one night only on June 21. (WGN)

📺 Channel 11 WTTW's advisory board details ongoing concerns about the station's programming choices and transparency. (Crain's)

📅 Upcoming events around the city.

Chicago Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival at The Cauldron Co. on Jan. 27:

• This is an enchanting potion-making experience where you can don a cloak and wield a working magic wand, making it a magical and immersive setting for all the special varieties shared at a whiskey tasting. $0 to $400.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar's Japanese-style eater-tainment is officially closer to the city than ever.

What's happening: Kura opens its fourth suburban location today in Skokie.

• Carrie, Monica and Moyo recently dropped by during its soft opening for an anonymous test.

How it works: Two levels of conveyor belts snake through the dining room, offering sushi, appetizers, fruit, desserts and more.

• One belt carries pre-made dishes for $3.40 that diners can grab at will. The other delivers hot food ordered from a screen above the table.
• Drink orders arrive via a musical robot named Kirby.

Read on for our favorites