Posted 15 months ago
Press contact: Ariella Gibson | Marketing and Communications Manager, Chicago Loop Alliance | Ariella@ChicagoLoopAlliance.com | 708-543-4002
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Oct. 3, 2023
CHICAGO—Today, Chicago Loop Alliance unveiled Enteractive State, five activations along State Street, showcasing the energy, spirit, and culture of the Loop through October 31. In partnership with LeMonde Studios of Montreal, Quebec, these distinctive areas feature human powered interactive sculptures along the corridor. The experiences are free and open to the public. View full details at LoopChicago.com/EnteractiveState.
“As Everyone’s Neighborhood, thoughtful interactive and sustainable placemaking initiatives like Enteractive State further our neighborhood’s goal of inclusivity and community,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “This month-long installation is just the beginning of enhancements aligned with the recommendations of the Urban Land Institute’s Technical Assistance Panel Elevate State plan.”
The activations create a sense of place amidst the iconic architecture and landscape of the Loop during the International Downtown Association Conference & Marketplace, co-hosted by Chicago Loop Alliance, Oct. 4-6 at the Palmer House, a Hilton hotel. The month-long installation serves as an example to more than 1,300 downtown place managers on how to design downtowns and neighborhoods for experiences beyond office or storefront retail. The majority of the four installations feature music from some of Chicago’s musical icons in house, R&B, soul and jazz like Mr. Fingers and Benny Goodman, while others promote a sense of merriment and acknowledgement of nature and the surrounding environment.
"We are honored to partner with Chicago Loop Alliance for an opportunity to transform the traditional dichotomy of the Loop into a concept of interactive art that fosters community,” said Nicolas Synnott of LeMonde Studio. “The world could always do with a bit more joy, and opportunities to enhance the experience of Chicagoans and visitors with unique and memorable activations like Enteractive State propels the work of our agency forward.”
“The installations developed by Le Monde Studio in partnership with the Chicago Loop Alliance are an excellent example of Québec’s creative approach to interactive placemaking and public engagement, and we’re very pleased to have them here in Chicago for the month,” said Jean-François Hould, Québec Government Office delegate in Chicago. “This is an exciting launch that underlines the growing relationship between Chicago and Québec.”
The following activations are available through Oct. 31:
- 36 S. State Street (northwest corner of State & Monroe): Human Powered Boombox Platform, featuring two-sided ramped platform resembling a giant boombox. A hand powered crank is turned to play audio of Chicago house music. Featuring songs by Mr. Fingers.
- 2 N. State Street (northwest corner of State & Madison): Human Powered Music Box, a hand powered crank music box features Chicago legend and “King of Swing”, Benny Goodman.
- 108 N. State Street (northwest corner of State & Washington): Human Powered Tree Mounted Bird House, attached to a tree using safe, non-harming metal straps and powered via a hand crank that plays a mix of nature sounds and classical music.
- 162 N. State (northwest corner of State and Randolph): Human Powered Music Box, a hand powered crank music box features the iconic tune “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
- 201 N State Street (The Gateway): Banana Bench, interactive bench in the shape of a standing yellow banana peel. Structure seats minimum of 3 people in a semi-reclined position on benches formed by the curves of the banana peel.
The project is supported by the financial contributions of the city of Montreal and Quebec’s Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC).
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA)’s mission is to create, manage and promote positive and inclusive programs that attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. CLA is a membership organization as well as the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation produces public art projects and events. For more information, visit LoopChicago.com.
About LeMonde Studio
LeMonde Studio is a movement toward greener entertainment, combining art and sensible technology. Electrifying each activation by human power or green tech, LeMonde puts the visitor at the centre stage of the experience, building community bridges and teaching the actual value of energy. LeMonde clients are public organizations, governments, commercial spaces and brands looking for new ways to engage with their community and offer them a much-needed break from their fast-paced lives.
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