September 19–22, 2013
Navy Pier – Festival Hall
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
After a successful first year, EXPO CHICAGO returns to Navy Pier in 2013 from September 19 to 22. Download the exhibitor application here.
The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO presented over 120 leading international galleries, including a section of younger galleries in EXPOSURE, highlighting one to two artists from their programs. In its first year, the exposition drew over 27,000 patrons to Navy Pier, reaffirming Chicago’s place as an international art fair destination.
EXPO CHICAGO’s widely acclaimed floor plan and design was conceived by noted MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang from Studio Gang Architects (SGA). SGA will return for the 2013 edition to further shape the design of the exposition and to refine the space for our exhibitors to present artists’ work.
Several landmark programs were introduced this year and will return in 2013. IN/SITU, organized by noted independent curator Michael Ned Holte, was made up of site-specific and large-scale installations placed strategically throughout the fair, featuring works by artists such as Robert Barry and Tony Feher. The critically acclaimed lecture series, /Dialogues, presented in partnership with the School of the Art Institute (SAIC) drew large crowds during the run of the exposition. Highlight discussions included noted New York magazine’s Jerry Saltz, who exclaimed, “From now on art people should flock to Chicago,” as well as Los Angeles-based artist Sterling Ruby and artist Alec Soth.
EXPO CHICAGO will again collaborate with local institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Arts Club of Chicago, The Renaissance Society, the Smart Museum and more to organize breakfasts and exhibition openings. Chicago’s top collectors will once again open their homes for collection tours as part of our VIP program.
“EXPO CHICAGO proved to be an impressive fair that brought the international art world together to celebrate Chicago as a not-to-miss art destination,” said MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn. “The caliber of the galleries and artists represented was phenomenal. The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago was honored to be part of the fair with Vernissage, the hugely successful preview party organized by talented MCA Trustees who also acquired great artworks, some of which are promised gifts to institutions right here in Chicago.”
Collectors, dealers, patrons and critics alike agreed that EXPO has returned Chicago to its legacy of hosting a prominent art exposition. For more information visit our website.
