Obama Center Art Collection Highlights Local Artists, Joffrey Tower Renovation Completed
The Obama Presidential Center has commissioned 28 artworks as part of its cultural programming, featuring Chicago artists Theaster Gates and Richard Hunt. The Joffrey Ballet completed a $2.5 million renovation of its Chicago headquarters, incorporating poetry from local writers. In other news, the art market's 'buy one, give one' sales model has declined due to changing conditions. Chicago's historic Burnham Center may be partially converted into a hotel, while Aurora considers transforming a former post office into an arts venue. The Evanston Folk Festival lineup was announced for September.
Key facts
- The Obama Presidential Center includes 28 commissioned artworks with input from the Obamas on artist selection.
- The Joffrey Tower renovation features poetry from six Chicago poets in collaboration with the Poetry Foundation.
- The 'buy one, give one' art sales model has become less viable due to market shifts.
- The 113-year-old Burnham Center in Chicago may be converted partially into a hotel with up to 300 rooms.
- Aurora is considering converting a vacant post office building into a cultural arts center.
Entities
Artists
- Theaster Gates
- Richard Hunt
- Maya Lin
- Bob Faust
- Alfonso Carrara
- Tarfia Faizullah
- Angela Jackson
- José Olivarez
- Anne Stevenson
- avery r. young
Institutions
- Obama Presidential Center
- Joffrey Ballet
- Poetry Foundation
- Chicago Association of Commerce
- Lookingglass Theatre Company
Locations
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Evanston
- Paris