The Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) will hold its 50th annual conference in Chicago, Illinois April 5-9, 2022. The conference theme is “Past, Present, Future: Aspiring to New Heights.” This premier event for art and visual information professionals marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of ARLIS/NA and offers an exciting program of papers, panels, speakers, and workshops that explore current and emerging interests across the professional practice in art and architecture libraries. Participants will have opportunities to mingle and consult with colleagues in the exhibit hall, visit poster sessions, and attend special events. In addition, a variety of festivities and tours will connect attendees with the cultural tapestry of Chicago.
Chicago is home to a wide array of libraries, archives, cultural institutions, and internationally recognized architecture from the very first skyscraper to the dizzying and inspired towers that mark the Windy City’s acclaimed skyline. The area is graced with the natural beauty of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and magnificent parks and gardens. Chicago is also a city of neighborhoods, each unique with its own vibrant array of restaurants, music, and cultures. There is something here for everyone!
The Society returns to Chicago to mark its Golden Anniversary, reflect on its founding moments, and consider how to build its future in ways that are diverse and inclusive of the many voices in the profession today. In keeping with the conference theme “Past, Present, Future: Aspiring to New Heights,” ARLIS/NA will explore the history of art librarianship and the growth and development of its professional community. Conference content will reflect the current challenges and opportunities brought by technology, social change, and global events. Most importantly, this conference offers an opening to consider a sustainable, equitable, and flexible future.
Beyond conference sessions, tours and special events will introduce attendees to renowned and lesser-known cultural treasures. Chicago offers a variety of galleries, artist-run spaces, and other cultural institutions including an array of museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Oriental Institute. Among the highlights of the conference will be social events including the Welcome Party/50th Anniversary celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center, a resplendent 19th-century building and former public library, and the Convocation Reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art, an institution that champions the underrepresented and provocative side of contemporary art and culture. Conference registration opens January 5, 2022; discounted early bird registration closes March 21, 2022. Room registration at the Hyatt Regency Chicago is now open with special rates for conference attendees available through March 21, 2022. Please mention ARLIS/NA when making your reservation. Visit the ARLIS/NA 50th Annual Conference website for more information about the hotel, programs, tours, and special events.
To foster a safe environment and provide opportunities for networking and interaction, ARLIS/NA will require proof of vaccination through a third-party service provider to attend the 50th Anniversary Conference. The conference will be held entirely in person and will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines set forth by Chicago and the Illinois Department of Public Health, which currently include a mask mandate.
About the Art Libraries Society of North America
Founded in 1972, the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) is a dynamic, international organization of close to 1,000 individuals devoted to fostering excellence in art and design librarianship and image management in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The membership includes architecture and art librarians, visual resources professionals, artists, curators, educators, publishers, students, and other interested in visual arts information. To serve this diverse constituency, the Society provides a wide range of programs and services within an organizational structure that encourages participation at every level.
Contact:
Larry Eames
Media Editor
719.255.3929
media.relations@arlisna.org
