Next is a showcase for the world's talents and an adventure in innovative culture. It includes works from both commercial and non -commercial arts organizations- galleries, project spaces, art publications and key private contemporary collections from around the world. Next is a platform for established and emerging galleries to promote the work of cutting-edge artists. The Renaissance Society, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Smart Museum of Art, who present exhibitions, performances, lectures and other events during the run of the fair.
NEXT 2011, a showcase for the art world’s emerging talents taking place alongside Art
Chicago, is part of Artropolis, the largest, most important art event in the Midwest. NEXT
provides collectors and art enthusiasts the opportunity to learn about and experience
cutting edge art in an approachable atmosphere.
NEXT will include works from both commercial and non‐commercial galleries, project
spaces, art publications and key private contemporary collections from around the world.
NEXT is committed to integrating innovative programming, exhibitions, and special events
into the fair, by way of artist talks, panel discussions and performances in the NEXT Talk
Shop.
Mission
NEXT is a platform for established and emerging galleries to promote the work of
cutting-edge artists. NEXT is dedicated to the exhibition and advancement of
today’s art. NEXT is the catalyst for the exchange of information and experimental
ideas aimed at today’s educated collector.
NEXT Talk Shop
As its name implies, NEXT addresses the future of the art world. NEXT Talk Shop, in association with CONVERGE
Chicago: Contemporary Curators Forum and Art Chicago Speaks, brings together an international roster of artists,
writers, curators and critics to discuss new movements, changes in the market and the outlook for museums.
Fundamental to the NEXT vision, NEXT Talk Shop is a centrally located performance and lecture space on the show
floor, designed to enhance the experiential aspect of the fair.
CONVERGE Chicago | Contemporary Curators Forum
Designed to stimulate dialogue among curators, dealers, artists and art world professionals within the art fair
context, CONVERGE programs are centrally located on the NEXT show floor in the NEXT Talk Shop. Panels
encompass a vibrant mix of regional, national and international curators, from apartment galleries and
experimental spaces to high profile international art centers and collections. Since its inception, CONVERGE has
garnered the involvement of curators and art directors from the Whitney Museum, Los Angeles County Museum
of Art, Contemporary Art Museum Saint Louis, Denver Art Museum and the Kohler Art Center, and private
collections such as the UBS Art Collection, Nueberger Berman and the Chambers Luxury Art Hotel. Topics address
issues such as programming in the new economy and recent trends in critical art practices.
NEXT Projects and Exhibitions
Each year, NEXT mounts special projects throughout the show floor, allowing for the exhibition of art not suitable
for traditional fair booths. NEXT’s annual core exhibitions and projects include Goffo and New Insight, providing
space that is not impeded by walls, aisles, and other common obstacles. Other 2010 collaborators included
Independent Curators International, The Suburban, and Club Nutz, showcasing large scale sculptures, kinetic art,
installations, and performance art.
EDGE: Young Art in Context
NEXT is pleased to present the second year of it’s “EDGE” series that will highlight top emerging galleries from a
highlighted area of the globe. This section is designed for these galleries to showcase the best in emerging art of
their area. Special programming will complement this section with accompanying panel discussions, lectures, and
after‐parties. The focus of this year’s edge will be announced this fall.
Goffo: a special section at NEXT focusing on multiples, editions, artist books, prints and handmade objects. The
section hosts an exceptional curated selection of presses, artist collectives and small galleries.
New Insight: an exhibition of top MFA students from some of the country's most influential graduate art programs,
curated by Susanne Ghez, director of The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago. A platform for new
talent and innovative ideas, New Insight provides the opportunity to view work by some of the brightest young
minds working in diverse graduate programs across the country.
Docent Program
Organized with Art Chicago and designed for novice and experienced collectors alike, our
Docent Program is led by art world insiders who create considered tours that highlight some of
the fair’s most notable dealers and works of art.
The program creates unique point of contact opportunities for exhibitors and attendees,
demystifies the art buying process for new collectors and gives experienced buyers an insider’s
look at the fair.
Cultural Partners | ARTROPOLIS, A city‐wide celebration
Art Chicago and NEXT are the center of a city‐wide celebration of the arts featuring 85+ cultural
partners, including The Renaissance Society, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Smart
Museum of Art, who present exhibitions, performances, lectures and other events during the
run of the fair.
NEXT will take place on the 12th floor of Chicago's iconic Merchandise Mart, coinciding with Art Chicago, located on the 12th floor.
Press contact: Lauren Pearson, Communications Director, at l.pearson@thearmoryshow.com or 212.645.6440
Art Chicago and NEXT 2011 will take place April 29 - May 2, with the Opening Preview on April 28.
Art Chicago and NEXT are the centerpieces of Artropolis, Chicago’s Celebration of Art and Culture.
Merchandise Mart
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th Floor Chicago
Hours:
Friday, April 29 11A - 7P
Saturday, April 30 11A - 7P
Sunday, May 1 11A - 6P
Monday, May 2 11A - 4P
Tickets:
Adults $20 daily or $25 multi-day pass
Seniors, Students or Groups $15 multi-day pass
Children 12 and under free
MCA First Focus Opening Preview tickets are $150 each