ABOUT

Welcome to the Institute for Contemporary Art

The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University is a non-collecting institution that showcases a slate of changing exhibitions, performances and programs. The ICA is a place to explore new ideas, providing an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the region and the world. As a part of VCU’s School of the Arts, the ICA mirrors the increasing emphasis on cross-disciplinary studies and has created a new environment for artists and scholars from around the world to test ideas. As a university-wide resource, the ICA links campus, community and contemporary artists by supporting local creative communities, engaging an international network of contemporary artists and organizations and encouraging collaborations with VCU departments, faculty, students and the broader community.

About VCU and VCUarts

VCU is a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls more than 31,000 students in 222 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

One of the nation’s leading schools of arts and design, VCU School of the Arts offers 15 undergraduate and 10 graduate degree programs in fine arts, design, performing arts, historical research, and pedagogical practice. Distinguished faculty members are internationally recognized in their respective fields, contribute significantly to the stature of VCU, and are committed to mentoring the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, scholars, and engaged citizens of diverse communities around the world. Its campus in Qatar provides students and faculty with a direct tie to the Middle East, and underscores the school and university’s commitment to global education and experience.

The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University presents the art of our time, which can often confront difficult themes and raise sensitive subject matter that may be troubling for some audiences. A core value of the ICA’s 2020 Strategic Plan is to promote opportunities for public dialogue around the art and ideas the artists produce so that their work becomes part of national and international conversations. The ICA does not assume the position or opinions expressed by the artists we support.