Michelle Boone is Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s new commissioner for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and she’s got a tough job ahead of her. Among other things, she takes the department’s helm at a time when the mayor’s proposing cuts across City Hall, and her department’s been in flux for the past year.

Boone recently presented her budget priorities to the City Council. WBEZ’s Lynette Kalsnes followed up with a wide-ranging discussion about those priorities and what they will mean for Chicago residents in the coming years.

Kalsnes took a close look at what’s in store for Gospel Fest, but here’s an unfiltered look at several other topics she and Boone discussed.

Boone on creating the city’s first cultural plan since Mayor Harold Washington

Boone on cultural plan.mp3

Boone on the Taste of Chicago

boone on taste of chicago.mp3

Boone’s general statement on arts and culture

boone’s general statement.mp3

Boone on the decision to bring arts and culture programs back within the fold of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

boone on dcase taking back arts.mp3