Chicago's Art Expo 2013 Plans Outreach Beyond Visual Arts
by Hedy Weiss
Theater Critic/hweiss@suntimes.com

This year's Expo Chicago, the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art that will run Sept. 19-22 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand, will attempt to use the arrival of international art dealers and collectors to help brand Chicago more widely as a destination for museum-going, the performing arts and fine restaurants.

At a press conference Tuesday at the Chicago Cultural Center, Tony Karman, president and director of Expo Chicago said: "We heard at last year's Expo that many of those attending were excited by the free concert conducted by Riccardo Muti in Millennium Park. We want to extend that interest with our partners in the Chicago theater, dance and opera worlds, as well as with such key museum partners as the MCA, the Art Institute, the Smart Museum and the Renaissance Society as well."

No specific details have yet been announced, although the Joffrey Ballet's special weekend of performances, "Russian Masters" (featuring "The Rite of Spring," and works by George Balanchine and Yuri Possokhov) will coincide with the Expo's dates. Other companies will not necessarily have official events ongoing during Expo week, but Karman said special VIP events and showcases were in the planning stage.

Ticket prices for the Art Expo itself have not yet been announced. For more information visit www.expochicago.com.