Posted 6 years ago
Press contact: Jessica Cabe | PR and Communications Manager, Chicago Loop Alliance jessica@chicagoloopalliance.com | 312-782-9160
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 7, 2018
CHICAGO—The fourth and final event of Chicago Loop Alliance’s 2018 ACTIVATE season, “(EVO)lution,” will take place from 5-10 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, in Arcade Place (enter at W. Arcade Pl. and S. Wells St.).
Chicago's fashion landscape will explode on an urban runway in the Loop during ACTIVATE: Materialists, a one-night showcase of the city's underground designers, visual artists, and stylists, curated by artist collective Canvas Chicago. With the muse, EVO, as their guide, guests will interact with fabric art installations and custom creations by some of the city's most prolific fashion hustlers, whose designs are represented worldwide.
Guests who RSVP in advance will receive a complimentary drink ticket for beer, wine or a cocktail at the event, with additional beverages available for purchase onsite.
Elements of “ACTIVATE: Materialists,” include:
- Live DJ set by Mister Wallace of FUTUREHOOD
- Live DJ set by Hijo Prodijo of FUTUREHOOD
- Live performance by Eric Dontè
- Live performance by CHAE BUTTAH
- Live performance by Fee Lion
- Interactive "public runway" by FULCRUM MOUNTMAKING & EXHIBITIONS
- Tropical inspired visual/fashion display by M Squared Customs
- Custom fabric and light installation by James Langford
- Live body painting station by Naqee
- Fashion show by AMFM
- Chicago Fashion Incubator live
- Denvir Dobbs showcase
- Live fashion modeling and photography by Stan Magoni
- Live murals by AliSix
- Projection and visuals by Pugs Atomz of Iridium
- "Giant" keychain installation by Julia Kriegel
- Fabric installation by Jeanine Fry
- Pop-up jewelry and art gallery by Be Buddha Jewelry
- Denim Repair Shop by RunwayAddicts
ACTIVATE is a popular annual series of pop-up arts programs launched in 2014 by Chicago Loop Alliance that transforms alleys and other unexpected spaces into creative places for arts and entertainment. ACTIVATE brings people together for an evening of exploration, interaction and celebration in the public realm, inspiring guests to see the Loop anew.
This is the fifth annual ACTIVATE season, and the first time CLA has partnered with the same curatorial group for all four events. Canvas Chicago, the collective known for productions like Voyager NYE and Sub Chroma, joined CLA in developing the season theme, “(EVO)lution.”
“(EVO)lution” refers to EVO, a fictional muse representing all of the artistic intentions in Chicago that lead to the continuous evolution of the city’s modern-day arts and culture. EVO is able to open portals to parallel universes, so each ACTIVATE event will see a location in the Loop transformed, with attendees transported to an alternate version of the same space.
Michael Edwards, president and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance, said ACTIVATE aligns with CLA’s mission to create high-performing urban experiences in the Loop.
“Chicago Loop Alliance does a lot of things, but the goal of everything we do is to ensure the Loop remains a vibrant destination,” Edwards said. “ACTIVATE creates experiences unlike any other and invites people who may walk through the Loop every day to see it in a new way that inspires them, delights them and gives them a sense of pride in all the Loop has to offer.”
ACTIVATE sponsors include: Presenting sponsor School of the Art Institute of Chicago; title sponsors Lagunitas Brewing Company, Little Things and CH Distillery; team sponsor PNC Bank; and individual event sponsors Bobo’s Oat Bars, Topo Chico Sparkling Water and Brew Dr. Kombucha.
About ACTIVATE
ACTIVATE is a series of pop-up arts programs that encourage visitors to see the Loop anew. ACTIVATE transforms alleys and other urban locations into creative exhibition spaces that bring artists and the public together for an evening of exploration, interaction and celebration of the arts. Chicago Loop Alliance launched the placemaking initiative in 2014, making the 2018 season its fifth annual. For more information, please visit LoopChicago.com/activate.
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA), the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, creates, manages and promotes high-performing urban experiences, attracting people and investment to the Loop. For more information, please visit LoopChicago.com.
About Canvas
Canvas is a network of producers, technicians, fabricators, designers and artists dedicated to an exploration of honest expression. For more information, please visit CanvasChicago.com.
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