Departing Chicago Humanities Festival Director Reflects On The Enduring Appeal Of Live Events

“We live in an age where a million things are easily accessible online, including videos of just about anyone we bring in,” Matt Bunzl says. “One could fear that no one would move their butt to our events. But the opposite seems to be the case. In a world where everything is so easily attainable, there’s a new premium on the in-person experience. The sense of community that is created when people are sitting in a room together—because of the digital universe we’re in—that has actually become more attractive.”