The Terminal 5 public art project at O'Hare International Airport is nearly complete, with more than 20 Chicago artists contributing pieces, as reported by a Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) article. The $3.5 million project is Chicago's largest acquisition of works from local artists in past three decades. The Chicago Department of Aviation and DCASE joined forces to offer visitors from around the globe a glimpse of the city's spirit through these art pieces.
A ceremony celebrating the commission will take place in the coming months, and airport professionals were invited to explore the collection during the Arts in the Airport conference by the American Association of Airport Executives this week. Participating artists are Behar X Schachman, jina valentine and Jonathan Michael Castillo, among others. The final piece, Immigrant Owned by Castillo, will be completed in Terminal 5's Baggage Claim in 2024.
Besides, several other public art projects, for instance, Woven Together by Luftwerk and Gloria Talamantes which draws inspiration from the Back of the Yards neighborhood residents, are taking place throughout Chicago. Another noteworthy work is Wayfindings at Austin's Joint Public Safety Training Campus by Bob Faust, who worked with community policing officers and local youth to integrate images of Austin into the artwork's final design.
These art projects not only highlight public art's significance and creative expression's value in the city, but also the exceptional talents of local artists. Currently, DCASE is involved in over 60 new art projects and collaborations across Chicago, having community engagement as a fundemantal part of the City's public art program which enhances all Chicagoans' lives and supports the creative economy.
Moreover, new projects at the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) by Hank Willis Thomas, Coby Kennedy, Nick Cave, James Carpenter Design Associates and Rob Ley have recently been introduced. The vast installations that include large-scale sculptures and painted aluminum strips, aim to engage passersby with the bustling energy of the city. The complete O'Hare International Airport Public Art collection can be accessed at flychicago.com/ArtORD.
Furthermore, an effort to preserve existing public art pieces has been made. With a collaboration between the Chicago Public Library and Chicago Transit Authority, a preservation project at the Harlem Blue Line CTA station was completed, restoring and conserving the famous artwork Harlem Station, 1984 by acclaimed artist Alex Katz.
Those exhibitions and installations at O'Hare Terminal 5, and the multitude of public art projects around the city, exemplify Chicago's commitment to cultural advancement. The art displays serve as a compelling catalyst for embracing the unique narrative of the city as international travelers arrive and depart from Chicago.
