Chicago’s iconic ART on THE MART projections will light up the Riverwalk once again this fall, debuting a new visual experience on September 11. City Circle Heart—a collaboration with local nonprofit Arts of Life, which is celebrating 25 years of supporting artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities—will adapt the work of Arts of Life artists for the Merchandise Mart’s larger-than-life canvas.
Originally created for the 2020 ART on THE MART projections, City Circle Heart weaves together colorful, abstract visuals into a dynamic moving display, complete with its own unique soundscape. Featuring work by Marcelo Añón, Veronica Cuculich, Stefan Harhaj, Hector Jones and Maria Vanik, City Circle Heart invites people of all abilities to appreciate the movement, colors and beauty of the Chicago Riverwalk.
“Arts of Life is thrilled to showcase our artists and celebrate our 25th anniversary with a featured presentation on ART on THE MART,” Arts of Life cofounder and executive director Denny Fisher said in a press release. “This is an ideal opportunity to highlight our commitment to supporting artistic expression, to providing professional development opportunities for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to introducing our artists’ work to new audiences.”
Founded in 2018 in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, ART on THE MART is one of the world’s largest digital art platforms (after all, it’s hosted on the exterior of what was once the world’s largest building). A prime example of Chicago’s long-standing commitment to supporting public art, ART on THE MART uses innovative video mapping technology to project contemporary art across the THE MART’s 2.5-acre façade. Throughout its tenure, the program has commissioned work from art world luminaries including Nick Cave, Barbara Kruger and Derrick Adams.
Ready to marvel at some locally made art? City Circle Heart will run Thursdays through Sundays from 7:30 to 8pm, starting Thursday, September 11 through Sunday, October 5, and again from Thursday, December 4 through Sunday, December 28, 2025. The projection takes over the south side of Merchandise Mart, but it’s best viewed on the Chicago Riverwalk Jetty between Wells and Franklin Street, which features permanently installed speakers broadcasting the associated audio.