Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-02-22
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

ART on THE MART's summer programs include Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Pride celebration
--From a press release
2023-05-11

This article shared 2541 times since Thu May 11, 2023
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


CHICAGO, IL — ART on THE MART, an innovative digital art project that transforms a Chicago architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas, will introduce two new commissions this summer. Building Light, a new projection by Gensler, the largest global design and architecture firm, will kick off the summer season on June 8, followed by a projection featuring new choreography from the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, an organization celebrating and archiving Black Dance, on July 6. Timed to Chicago Pride Fest (June 17 to 18) and the Chicago Pride Parade (June 25), ART on THE MART's seasonal Pride celebration will return from June 1 to 28, followed by its annual Independence Day projection, which illuminates the building in red, white, and blue, from June 29 to July 5. Projections during the summer season will be on view nightly at 9-10 p.m. CT.

"We're thrilled to partner with Gensler, a world-class design and architecture firm, on a new projection and usher in this bold new chapter for THE MART. It's also an honor, alongside support from the Walder Foundation, to provide a stage for the remarkable dance companies that constitute the Black Dance Legacy Project. At once celebrating the power of design, dance and their impact on our community, we continue our legacy of commissioning works that uplift the creatives shaping our city," said Cynthia Noble, executive director of ART on THE MART.

Designed by Anna Nelson and Franklin Guttman of Gensler's Chicago brand studio, Building Light, on view from June 8 to September 13, explores themes of discovery, urbanism, and change through four abstracted and time-lapsed vignettes. Aimed to evoke optimism and wonder, Building Light speaks to what design can do for our communities and its ability to find creative solutions to society's biggest challenges. An original soundscape from Gilded Audio, composed by Andy Chugg and Nick Dooley, will accompany the piece. Gensler is also behind the next phase of THE MART's evolution, reimagining key spaces in one of Chicago's most iconic architectural buildings. Gensler's transformation of the building will create a new experience for all who enter, and the projection, planned to align with NeoCon 2023 (June 12 to 14), reinforces THE MART's role as a true global destination for design.

"Design touches many aspects of the human experience, especially in urban environments," said Anna Nelson, Senior Brand Designer at Gensler and Building Light organizer. "Our team wanted to celebrate the power of design by depicting how individual discovery can morph into exponential impact. We're speaking to the city as a future-thinking center of design with an aim to inspire Chicagoans and NeoCon attendees alike."

Continuing a legacy of spotlighting work by leading Chicago-based artists and collectives, ART on THE MART will also present a newly commissioned work by the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project as part of its summer season from July 6 to September 13. The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, developed through a partnership between the Logan Center for the Arts and the Joyce Foundation's Culture Program, is a multi-year project that seeks to celebrate and strengthen the impact of Black dance in Chicago and beyond. Created by Princess Mhoon, Director of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, new media artist Liviu Pasare, and artists from 10 diverse dance companies of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, the projection for ART on THE MART, titled The Big Bang: Movement Theory + the Black Dancing Body, will feature original choreography from its latest cohort. Told in three acts, the work takes audiences on a journey through the Black experience in America by way of dance. Juxtaposing forms ranging from ballet, modern, tap, traditional African dance, Chicago-born footwork, and more, the commission will deliver an incomparable demonstration of the depth and breadth of Chicago's Black dance community.

The dance companies featured in The Big Bang: Movement Theory + the Black Dancing Body include: The Chicago Multicultural Dance Center & Hiplet Ballerinas; Deeply Rooted Dance Theater; The Era Footwork Collective; Forward Momentum Chicago; Joel Hall Dancers & Center; M.A.D.D. Rhythms; Move Me Soul; Muntu Dance Theatre; NAJWA Dance Corps; and Praize Productions. Chicago-based DJ Duane Powell will also collaborate on a new soundtrack for the projection inspired by House music. The work is made possible, in part, by a grant awarded to the ART on THE MART Foundation funded by the Walder Foundation for advancing the performing arts in Chicago.

"We want to thank ART on THE MART for their visionary work sharing experiences with the public that blend art and new media in refreshing ways. We relish the opportunity to explore how the dancing body, technology, and history can collide to create a big bang of ideas and inspiration in the heart of Chicago," says Princess Mhoon, Director of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project. Bill Michel, Executive Director of the Logan Center that houses the project, adds: "We are excited to celebrate the practice of these ten phenomenal companies who are integral to the arts landscape in Chicago and whose incredible work is sure to light up ART on THE MART and all who experience it."

ART on THE MART is free and can best be experienced from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street, where accompanying audio can also be heard. ART on THE MART is presented in collaboration with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

For more information on the 2023 season, please visit artonthemart.com or follow #ARTonTHEMART.

About ART on THE MART

ART on THE MART, presented in partnership with Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), is an innovative digital art project that transforms a Chicago architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas, spanning over 2.5 acres of THE MART along the city's Riverwalk. Founded in 2018, ART on THE MART is a platform for cutting-edge moving image work by renowned local, national and international interdisciplinary artists. Under the direction of Cynthia Noble, the program has commissioned work by celebrated names like Nick Cave, Barbara Kruger and Charles Atlas, along with projections by Chicago-based artists and local organizations that elevate voices and artists from underrepresented communities.

The program is a result of a 30-year commitment by THE MART owner Vornado Realty Trust, in close collaboration with the City of Chicago, with a shared goal to provide public access to innovative contemporary digital art for thousands of visitors traversing the Chicago Riverwalk each day. The project marks the first time a projection of its size and scope is completely dedicated to digital art with no branding, sponsorship credits or messaging. The permanent projection system illuminates THE MART with 34 state-of-the-art projectors totaling almost one million lumens. The program content rotates seasonally and is selected with the assistance and expertise of the Curatorial Advisory Board, along with the support of a guest digital art curator initiative that was founded in 2023.

For more information, visit artonthemart.com or follow us on social media:

Instagram: @artonthemart

Facebook: @artonthemart

Twitter: @artonthemart

About THE MART

THE MART (formerly The Merchandise Mart), located in the center of the sought-after River North submarket, is interwoven into the fabric of Chicago as an innovator in business, technology, culture, art, media and more. As the largest privately owned commercial building in the United States, it is also one of the world's leading commercial buildings, wholesale design centers and the preeminent international business location in Chicago. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, THE MART spans two city blocks, rises 25 stories and is visited by an average of 30,000 people each business day and nearly 10 million people annually. Offering continuous innovation and creativity from leading manufacturers and design forward showrooms, THE MART serves as the home to Chicago's most creative and technologically innovative companies including Motorola Mobility, 1871, Yelp, PayPal and MATTER, as well as Fortune 500 companies ConAgra Brands, Allstate, Medline Industries, Beam Suntory and Grainger. For more information, visit themart.com .

About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For further details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via newsletters and social media.

About Gensler

Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 7,000 professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally across more than 29 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors. Gensler is guided by its mission to create a better world through the power of design, and the source of its strength is its people. By leveraging a diversity of ideas, research and innovation, shared values, and its One-Firm Firm culture, Gensler is working seamlessly as a borderless firm in 140 countries and making the greatest impact on communities to tackle the world's challenges. Visit gensler.com to learn more and connect with the Chicago team on Instagram and Twitter.

About Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, a project of The University of Chicago's Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts

Chicago has long been a significant hub of African American arts and culture. Chicago's Black community has played a defining role in dance history, from imbuing traditional forms with new vibrancy to establishing entirely new forms of urban dance. While Chicago's Black dance companies are as diverse as the city itself — from dancers to dance styles — they are all united by the African American heritage at the bedrock of their work. The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, housed at the University of Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts, is a multi-year project that aims to strengthen the impact and reach of Black dance for generations to come. Learn more at chicagoblackdancelegacy.org, and stay connected via Facebook and Instagram.

Lead funding for the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project is provided by the Joyce Foundation and the Mellon Foundation with additional support from Walder Foundation, University of Chicago Women's Board, and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.


This article shared 2541 times since Thu May 11, 2023
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

Chicago Fire FC launches Play Proud League; Fire's Pride Night on June 10 2023-05-27
- Chicago Fire FC announced the launch of the Play Proud League as a new addition to the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer (CFRS) programming. The league is being launched in conjunction with Common Goal's Play Proud initiative, ...


Gay News

Target removes some Pride merchandise after receiving threats 2023-05-24
- Ahead of Pride Month (June), Target is pulling some of its LGBTQ+ merchandise after facing "threats" and backlash from customers, Politico reported. Target's website features hundreds of items as part of its Pride Collection but will ...


Gay News

Dodgers re-invite LGBTQ+ group 2023-05-23
- The Los Angeles Dodgers apologized to the L.A. order of the LGBTQ+ drag group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence about a week after announcing the group was uninvited to the team's annual Pride Night on June 16—and ...


Gay News

LGBTQ+ Center Lake County set to host third annual PrideFest 2023-05-19
- The non-profit LGBTQ+ Center Lake County will host its third annual PrideFest Saturday, June 10 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. The family-friendly outdoor festival is free, kicks off at noon and ends ...


Gay News

HB 1286 would allow gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms, Chicago groups respond 2023-05-19
--From a press release - Statement from AIDS Foundation Chicago, Equality Illinois, and Pride Action Tank regarding HB 1286 to allow gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms: We applaud the Illinois Senate for passing HB 1286 and urge the Illinois House to act expeditiously ...


Gay News

Dodgers rescind Pride Night invitation to legendary drag group 2023-05-18
- On May 17 (the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia), the Los Angeles Dodgers rescinded their Pride Night invitation toThe Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence—a famous LGBTQ+ group that ...


Gay News

Chicago Filmmakers to present Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase 2023-05-17
--From a press release - Chicago Filmmakers is thrilled to announce the Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase, a special program celebrating Pride Month this June. Presented by MUBI, this showcase is a prelude to the highly anticipated Reeling: The 41st Chicago ...


Gay News

Writer Sarah Gailey crosses paths with Black Cat for Marvel Voices: Pride #1 2023-05-15
- Publishing company Marvel Comics has been showing its true colors, with Marvel Voices: Pride #1 returning in 2023 for its third year in June. The comic book series features a wide range of out and proud ...


Gay News

Artemis Singers presents June 10 "Better Times Will Come" Pride Concert and Dance 2023-05-03
--From a press release - CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will present "Better Times Will Come" Pride Concert & Dance, Saturday, June 10, at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. ...


Gay News

WORLD Pride parades, Japanese activists, UN expert, anti-LGBTQ+ attack 2023-04-29
- In France, this year's Gay Pride parade will take place in Paris on June 24 without motorized floats for the very first time, after organizers voted to scrap heavy vehicles along the route for environmental and ...


Gay News

Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame nominations extended, participation in Chicago's LGBT Pride Parade announced 2023-04-26
--From a press release - The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announced today, that it will once again be one of the leading floats in Chicago's LGBT Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25. McKinsey & Company will sponsor the Pride float. ...


Gay News

'Snatchy Game' Theme for AAPI Month Fundraiser Asians and Friends Chicago to feature drag 2023-04-19
--From a press release - 'Snatchy Game' Theme for AAPI Month Fundraiser Asians and Friends Chicago to feature drag celebrities, game show reprise to raise money for Pride Parade entry CHICAGO—To recreate the popular 70's game show, Match Game, in the ...


Gay News

Chicago Pride Fest returns June 17-18 2023-04-18
--From a press release - Chicago Pride Fest returns June 17-18, 2023, 11 a.m. — 10 p.m., the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 25). The two-day street festival features live music on three stages, a Youth Pride Space for ...


Gay News

Artemis Singers to present 'Better Times Will Come' 2023-04-16
--From a press release - Kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Artemis Singers' next concert, Better Times Will Come, a celebration of hopefulness after this long global slog of fear and separation. Enjoy an uplifting experience highlighting opportunities to create a ...


Gay News

Pride Film Fest announces streaming features, shorts, in-person screenings for April, May 2023-04-04
--From a press release - CHICAGO — Pride Film Fest has announced its slate of LGBT-themed feature, mid-length and short films through early June. In making the announcement, Pride Film Fest Director David G. Zak said, "This spring, Pride Film Fest ...


 


Copyright © 2023 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives. Single copies of back issues in print form are
available for $4 per issue, older than one month for $6 if available,
by check to the mailing address listed below.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.
All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transegender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.