MAYOR EMANUEL, CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT JOIN PROJECT 120 CHICAGO AND YOKO ONO TO ANNOUNCE CONSTRUCTION OF ‘SKY LANDING’ IN JACKSON PARK
Art installation part of larger package of investments in Jackson Park
to restore and improve historic open space
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly today joined Yoko Ono, representatives of Project 120, the Consul General of Japan at Chicago, the University of Chicago and others to announce the installation of a permanent piece of public art work by Yoko Ono. The installation, SKY LANDING, will be installed in Garden of the Phoenix, located in Jackson Park.
“Through the implementation of our successful Chicago Cultural Plan, we’re able to offer residents and visitors growing access to the arts and culture in neighborhoods across the city, fostering economic and cultural growth,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Great works of art enrich, enhance and elevate our public spaces, just like SKY LANDING will do for Jackson Park.”
SKY LANDING will be Yoko Ono’s first permanent public art installation in the Americas, and is set to be open to the public in June of 2016. The installation will become a place of congregation and contemplation and will be installed in harmony with the revitalized landscape of Jackson Park in the Garden of Phoenix, located in northern portion of Jackson Park’s Wooded Island. The idea for a site-specific piece emerged from Ono’s initial visit to the area during the cherry blossom tree installation in 2013.
“The City of Chicago was honored to receive such a gift from Japan at the time of the World’s Columbian Exposition,” said Superintendent Kelly. “Understanding our past and our relations today as global partners, we are privileged that the site, with the addition of SKY LANDING by Yoko Ono, will teach and inspire us and future generations who visit the Garden of Phoenix.”
The installation of SKY LANDING is part of Mayor Emanuel’s much larger vision for Jackson Park, totaling an estimated $29 million in investments to return the park to the original vision by Frederick Law Olmsted, restoring its landscape and its character. These investments will include habitat restoration, landscape improvements, and tree plantings. Additionally, Project120 is leading a fundraising effort to restore the Jackson Park Music court, including a new 15,000 square foot pavilion to support music, arts and exhibition events. Renderings of the pavilion are attached.
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The Chicago Park District is the 2014 Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,300 acres of parkland, 585 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312/742.PLAY.
