EXPO CHICAGO Announces EXPO ART WEEK, 9/16-22

EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, in conjunction with Choose Chicago and Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), announces EXPO ART WEEK Sept. 16 - 22, 2013.

With EXPO CHICAGO (Sept. 19 - 22) as the centerpiece, the exposition will join together with the city's most prestigious cultural institutions to highlight the unique programming and special events offered throughout Chicago. The citywide celebration of arts and culture will include museum exhibitions; gallery openings; installations; public art projects; music; theater and dance performances and special dining experiences for residents and visiting international cultural tourists.

"The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO was an extraordinary step forward for both the exposition and our city," said EXPO CHICAGO President and Director Tony Karman. "We envision that the joint partnership with our city's leading cultural and entertainment institutions aligned with Choose Chicago and DCASE will further enhance our efforts to attract the world's leading collectors, curators and art enthusiasts to visit our city and attend EXPO CHICAGO."

"DCASE is thrilled to be a part of a week of activity that brings our city's greatest cultural institutions together to showcase the abundance of art and culture that Chicago has to offer," said Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Michelle T. Boone. "EXPO CHICAGO is an important asset to the cultural fabric of our city. With the broader experience of EXPO ART WEEK, residents of Chicago as well as visitors from around the world can take advantage of the incredible talent and artistry on display."

Launching the international fall arts season, the city's visual, performing and culinary arts will work in tandem to exhibit the diverse and dynamic culture that Chicago has to offer. EXPO CHICAGO aims to work closely with both cultural and civic organizations and will continue to establish partnerships and build key relationships with the city's leading institutions in order to maximize the rich and vibrant culture on display during EXPO ART WEEK.

"Choose Chicago is proud to promote EXPO ART WEEK to national and international visitors and encourage them to experience EXPO CHICAGO and all the great events that are taking place at that time," said Choose Chicago Vice President, Cultural Tourism & Neighborhoods Melissa Cherry.

Several highlighted art exhibitions occurring during EXPO ART WEEK include "Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity" and "Zarina: Paper Like Skin" at the Art Institute of Chicago and "Theaster Gates: 13th Ballad" and Paul Sietsema at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Other art and museum partners to date, offering special viewings and ticketing options include: ACRE Residency, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago Artists' Coalition, Hyde Park Art Center, The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago and threewalls.

Gallery Weekend Chicago will once again work in tandem with EXPO CHICAGO to highlight the city's premier contemporary art galleries with viewings of new exhibitions and artist talks at Chicago's top galleries. After a week's worth of special events, EXPO ART WEEK will have its grand finale with a VIP reception at Wright Auction House, presented in conjunction with Choose Chicago, EXPO CHICAGO and Gallery Weekend Chicago. For more information visit www.gallerweekendchicago.com.

Performance partners to date, offering both VIP and public programming include: Broadway in Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Goodman Theatre, Harris Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Lookingglass Theatre, Lyric Opera, Blue Man Group, River North Dance Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre and The World Music Festival.

Participating restaurants to date that will reserve seating and offer special menus and signature cocktails during EXPO ART WEEK include: David Burke's Primehouse, Embeya, Harry Caray's Restaurant Group, Longman & Eagle, mk, NoMi, Pump Room, Sepia and Spiaggia to name a few. EXPO CHICAGO will also work closely with the Illinois Restaurant Association and Chicago Gourmet to further organize restaurant and culinary partners.

For discounted airfare and hotel accommodations, travel arrangements can be made through Turon Travel, an agency dedicated to creating an expedient and fully accessible travel network for the global arts community. Guests may stay at any of EXPO CHICAGO's partner hotels including the James Hotel Chicago, PUBLIC Chicago, the Park Hyatt and the W Lakeshore. Shuttles will be available during EXPO CHICAGO (Sept. 19 - 22) to transport attendees from Navy Pier around the city to enjoy events, tours and lectures at the partnering arts organizations and institutions in partnership with "Chicago Gallery News."

Northern Trust, presenting sponsor of EXPO CHICAGO/2013, will also work within EXPO ART WEEK to help establish the longevity of this event, making it a destination for their global clientele and the international art world.

"Our role as presenting sponsor for EXPO CHICAGO/2013 is a wonderful opportunity to support the arts in Chicago, our global headquarters," said Executive Vice President of Wealth Management at Northern Trust Steve "Mac" MacLellan. "EXPO CHICAGO is building a world-class cultural event in Chicago and we're excited to be a part of this effort."

"EXPO CHICAGO is a great tradition for our city and provides an opportunity for Chicagoans to celebrate visual arts and culture on a grand, international scale," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "EXPO CHICAGO enriches Chicago's neighborhoods through its off-site events and community partnerships, and drives economic opportunities and employment throughout the city. For years to come, EXPO CHICAGO will attract artists, dealers, collectors and curators from around the world to Chicago to enjoy our robust, diverse and dynamic arts experience.