Posted 6 years ago in Arts and Culture by Ammanuel M. Ayalew
The Chicago Loop is home to some of the most famous large-scale art pieces in the world. In just a few days, Art on theMART, a curated series of digital art, will be projected across 2.5 acres of theMART’s exterior river-façade. Curated by local artists, the projection will join the ranks of some of the most celebrated public art pieces in the city.
Art on theMART will be not only the largest, but also the longest-running digital art projection in the world. The first-of-its-kind for Chicago, it represents the innovative and welcoming spirit of Chicago. It is expected to attract thousands of visitors over the course of its run, appealing to both locals and tourists to the Loop.
Prismatic / Video courtesy of Art on theMART
Beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 29, Wacker Dr. between N. Wells St. and N. Franklin St. will be closed off to traffic to enable public viewing of the inaugural program. While viewing the projections, the public will enjoy a live DJ, food trucks and a Lantern Procession presented by Light Up My Arts (LUMA8) and sponsored by Chicago Loop Alliance. The art unveiling will begin at 7:15 p.m. with a firework show at 8 p.m.
"Between the perspective from the Loop and the sheer size of the light projection, Art on theMART will continue to enhance the performance of the Loop as a destination for visitors and tourist while adding value to the residents and workers,” said Michael M. Edwards, president and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance.
Surreal / Video courtesy of Art on theMART
The arts in the Loop are not just the beauty of Chicago. They are a significant economic driver for the city with $2.25 billion in economic impact each year, bringing $113.5 million in Loop restaurant revenue, $81.3 million in Loop real estate revenue, $78 million in Loop hotel revenue, $63 million in Loop retail sales, $43 million in transportation and parking revenue and $40 million in tax revenue ($34 million for the State of Illinois and $6 million for the City of Chicago).
The launch of Art on theMART aligns with EXPO ART WEEK. In conjunction with Choose Chicago and Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, this week-long exhibition highlights the vast cultural opportunities that Chicago offers to collectors, dealers, art enthusiasts and visitors.