September 16–December 31, 2017
The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced new leadership, funding and dates for the second edition of the biennial in 2017. Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee of the Los Angeles-based firm Johnston Marklee have been named as the Artistic Directors for the 2017 edition. The firm also participated in the inaugural 2015 edition of the Biennial. Also joining the Chicago Architecture Biennial team is Todd Palmer, the newly appointed Executive Director, who comes to the Biennial from the National Public Housing Museum. He will be working alongside the Board of the Chicago Architecture Biennial to establish the Biennial as a world class cultural attraction for the city.
Chicago Architecture Biennial and the City of Chicago are also pleased to announce that SC Johnson has renewed their support of the Biennial and will return as the Presenting Sponsor, with a 2.5 million USD leadership commitment. BP, the Founding Sponsor, has also renewed their support with a 1 million USD commitment.
This will be the second edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which premiered in 2015 and was envisioned by Mayor Emanuel. It was the first and the largest international survey of contemporary architecture in North America.
“The Chicago Architecture Biennial’s return in 2017 confirms Chicago as an architectural hub,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Last year’s edition was a resounding success, and I’m pleased to see the great planning and support for the second Biennial, which will be even better. Not only is the Biennial’s return for next year a testament to our city’s architectural significance, but it speaks to Chicago’s place as one of the world’s cultural destinations and our place in the world of architecture and design.”
BP and SC Johnson’s support alongside the City of Chicago Department – Cultural Affairs and Special Events have created a strong foundation for the event’s return in 2017. The Chicago Architecture Biennial board is chaired by Jack Guthman. Board members include Graham Foundation Director, Sarah Herda; and Ambassador Louis Susman.
The 2015 Biennial was unprecedented—the largest international exhibition of contemporary architecture ever to have taken place in North America—featuring the visionary ideas of 120 participating architecture and design offices from more than 30 countries. More than half a million Chicago residents and visitors from abroad took part in the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial, which speaks to Chicago’s appeal as a destination for new ideas and talent in the field of architecture to both a local and global audience.
The 2017 Biennial will be open to the public and on view from September 16–December 31, 2017. Press and professional previews will take place on September 14 and September 15, 2017. The opening of the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial will align with the sixth annual EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Modern and Contemporary Art, which will run September 13–17, 2017 at Navy Pier. The hub of the 2017 Biennial will once again be the Chicago Cultural Center located in downtown Chicago.
For more information, please contact:
Chicago Architecture Biennial
4 West Burton Place
Chicago, IL 60610
T 312 854 8200 / info [at] chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org
Media contact:
SUTTON PR
Julia Lukacher
julia [at] suttonpr.com / T +1 212 202 3402 / T + 1 845 416 8531
