On April 4, 2017, The Terra Foundation for American Art formally announced Art Design Chicago, a wide-ranging initiative exploring the enduring impact of Chicago’s role as a catalyst and incubator for innovations in art and design. Spearheaded and funded by the Terra Foundation, Art Design Chicago was developed in partnership with more than 40 cultural organizations to celebrate Chicago’s artists, designers, and creative producers. The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation is pleased to be the presenting Partner of Art Design Chicago. Additional support has been provided by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The Chicago Community Trust and Leo Burnett are providing in-kind support.
Focusing on the period between the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and the turn of the 21st century, the initiative reveals little-known narratives of ingenuity and perseverance and provides new insights on Chicago’s enduring influence on fine and decorative arts, graphic and commercial design, product development, and film. Art Design Chicago will feature more than 50 exhibitions and public programs, presented throughout 2018, as well as the creation of several scholarly publications and a four-part documentary. Together, these activities shine a light on Chicago’s art and design legacy, and its continued impact on contemporary practice.
“It is widely recognized that Chicago has, for more than a century, been a breeding ground for art and design of the highest caliber,” said Richard Driehaus. “The city has long been and still is home to major art schools, art libraries, art museums, public art, galleries, and hundreds of artists. Yet, the story of so many of Chicago’s contributions has not been well researched, documented, or integrated into the larger national and global narratives. Through Art Design Chicago these unique stories will finally receive the attention they deserve. This initiative will no doubt be the catalyst for further and sustained research for decades to come.”
More information: ArtDesignChicago.org
Watch the Art Design Chicago introductory video
Like and follow the Art Design Chicago social feeds: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
