Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Merchandise Mart announced a new large-scale architectural projection to debut in 2018. Vornado Realty Trust, owner of the Merchandise Mart (now known as theMART) has engaged the architectural design firm, A+I Architects, and creative studio Obscura Digital to develop a feasibility study for projecting art on the south, River-facing facade of theMART in 2018. Taking advantage of its nearly 3-acre façade as their canvas, theMART, A+I Architects, and Obscura Digital will illuminate the historic landmark as a major contribution to Chicago’s public art scene and provide another privately-financed investment on the Chicago River. This is the first time that art has ever been projected at this scale in Chicago. Obscura Digital has created similar projects for Sydney Opera House, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Empire State Building and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. A+I Architects (www.aplusi.com) was theMART’s designer for the highly acclaimed and award winning common area improvements completed last year. Obscura Digital (www.obscuradigital.com) is the foremost design engineer of large projection projects with the technical and design skills capable of developing an architectural projection at this scale. The entire project is privately funded. Mayor Emanuel and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events have designated 2017 the “Year of Public Art” with a new 50×50 Neighborhood Arts Project, the creation of a Public Art Youth Corps, a new Public Art Festival, exhibitions, performances, tours and more—representing a $1.5 million investment in artist-led community projects. Additionally, the City of Chicago is exploring options for siting more public art on the Chicago Riverwalk during the Year of Public Art.