About

ART on THE MART presents pioneering moving image work by renowned local, national, and international interdisciplinary artists. The program has commissioned work by celebrated names like Derrick Adams, Charles Atlas, Nick Cave, Barbara Kruger, and more, alongside projections by Chicago-based artists and local partner organizations, from the Art Institute of Chicago and The Adler Planetarium to the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project and Chicago Public Schools. ART on THE MART amplifies the expressions of the broadest range of artists and partners to realize the power of public art and inspire positive community engagement along the river, throughout Chicago, and beyond. 

Founded in 2018, the program is a result of a 30-year commitment by THE MART owner Vornado Realty Trust, in close collaboration with the City of Chicago, with a shared goal to provide public access to innovative contemporary art to the thousands of visitors traversing the Chicago Riverwalk each day.

Projections are visible from Wacker Drive and along the Riverwalk. The platform is free and open to the public nightly, nine months per year, from April through December. Click here to learn what’s currently on view.

The Foundation provides a structure to receive external contributions to content commissions in the form of sponsorships, in-kind partner contributions, foundation grants, and individual giving. Its objective is to expand funding for artist commission fees and other production costs.

Established in 2018 in partnership with the City of Chicago, ART on THE MART’s operations, maintenance, events, and marketing have been funded by THE MART and its parent company, Vornado Realty Trust, who are committed to this relationship for at least the remainder of the 30-year public-private partnership. THE MART’s initial landmark philanthropic investment of over $10 million and ongoing support means that ART on THE MART operates without taxpayer contributions. THE MART’s operational commitment also allows the ART on THE MART Foundation to focus solely on creating additional opportunities for a diverse range of artists, as well as key educational and cultural content partners such as Chicago Public Schools.

Please contact us for more information on the ART on THE MART Foundation and to learn how to donate. 

ART on THE MART, together with the City of Chicago, has developed coordination and ongoing discussion among agencies and key stakeholders to solicit community and expert input in our program. 

The Civic Advisory Council includes representatives from:

• THE MART 
• Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)
• Chicago Police Department
• Office of Emergency Management and Communications
• Fleet and Facility Management
• Chicago Department of Transportation
• The 42nd Ward Alderman’s Office
• Harbor Safety Committee
• U.S. Coast Guard