Expo Chicago has distinguished itself within the global art fair circuit through its unique Curatorial Forum, a partnership with Independent Curators International (ICI) that began in 2014. Originally conceived by Tony Karman and Renaud Proch, the program has evolved from a small gathering into a major national convening that provides curators with professional development, networking opportunities, and a platform for thought leadership. The initiative has been so successful that ICI established its only year-round satellite office in Chicago to support the local curatorial community.
This partnership matters because it shifts the focus of the art fair from purely commercial transactions to intellectual exchange and institutional support. By prioritizing curators—who act as the primary gatekeepers and buyers for museums—Expo Chicago secures its relevance in the institutional art world while fostering long-term collaborations that extend beyond the fair's dates. The program serves as a model for how commercial events can integrate academic and professional discourse to elevate a city's standing as a global cultural hub.