ANNIE HECKMAN

Sometimes a project comes together so suddenly, with such amazing convergences and good circumstances, that I barely have time to process it. The Synesthetic Plan of Chicago is one of those.

Not too long ago, Daniel Godston invited me to come along with him to a meeting and kick around ideas about how to combine over 30 artists’ projects exploring multi-sensory experiences of Chicago’s neighborhoods in one space. A few sketches, proposals, and phone calls later, I find myself in the midst of a small movement of artists collaborating to make visual sense of sensory experiences in Chicago.

The result, an interactive installation made with amazing energy and support from artists and the benefactors listed below, is now on view at the Chicago Cultural Center, in the Visitor Information Center near the Randolph entrance.

Here are some preliminary photos from our installation days, and I’ll be adding more to the album shortly. If you’re in the Chicago area, please come check it out! The exhibit will be on view through September 30, but because of the interactive nature of the projects, you can expect new things to happen there on a regular basis. More on this soon.

I’m proud to mention that this project is presented in collaboration with Chicago cultural and neighborhood organizations, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Office of Tourism and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism.