Blackstone Hotel Chicago exterior
Deadline for Entry: Sunday, January 22, 2017, 11:59 P.M.
Purpose:
On behalf of Sage Hospitality, NINE dot ARTS seeks proposals from Chicago-area artists for artwork to be installed at The Blackstone Hotel (626 South Michigan Avenue) in the elevator landings on three guestroom corridor floors. Three proposals will be selected from three different artists, and the final artworks will become part of the hotel’s permanent collection that already includes more than 1,600 works mostly by Chicago artists.
Blackstone Elevator Lobby Rendering
NINE dot ARTS specifically seeks artwork proposals that creatively integrate the unique and long history of The Blackstone into the final art pieces. The Blackstone opened in 1910 and was a destination for the rich and famous including Hollywood movie stars, U.S. Presidents and royalty. The beautiful Beaux-Arts building was designed by Marshall and Fox and many of its original architectural details remain today. Additional information about the hotel’s history can be found in the history section of this Call.
Art Program Goal + Selection Criteria:
To aide in the revival of The Blackstone, the art program will re-establish the hotel as a cultural destination. Working with emerging and established Chicago artists, the artwork will create a buzz and community using the hotel’s history as its foundation.
• Unexpected use of past
• Chicago
• Creative
• Juxtapose historical and contemporary
• Bright
• Colorful
• Energetic
• Defy convention
• Contemporary
• Blackstone history
Blackstone Hotel Chicago exterior
The proposed artwork should be inspired by The Blackstone but not be a literal presentation of the hotel’s history. The art committee seeks interesting works of art that will be unexpected and help tell the hotel’s story to visitors. A brief history of the hotel is provided here, but additional information can be found through a variety of online resources and articles. Artists are welcome to visit the public spaces of the hotel for inspiration. If additional information is needed please reach out to Katherine Sharp (see call for proposals).
Award:
NINE dot ARTS will issue a monetary award of $3,000 to each selected artist. The award must cover all costs for creating the art piece with the exception of any required framing and installation.
Please download the full call for proposals and application form here.