“With this Campaign, we continue our trajectory of showcasing exceptional artists who have otherwise been overlooked — and presenting their work to Penn, to Philadelphia, and to the world.”

— AMY SADAO, DANIEL W. DIETRICH II DIRECTOR

The Institute of Contemporary Art’s simple but powerful slogan “Free. For all.” stands for more than just a lack of an admission fee. It reflects an access-oriented philosophy about what a contemporary art experience should be. ICA takes risks. It is a prescient incubator for emerging artists, and it turns up the volume of underrepresented voices. By presenting work that challenges viewers, ICA invites them to reconsider previously held opinions and promotes greater understanding of an unfamiliar perspective. The commitment to provoking deeper thought is central to ICA’s mission, and plans call for extending outreach throughout Penn’s campus and beyond. “Art should be public, inclusive and open to all,” says Maori Holmes, ICA’s first Director of Public Engagement.

Opening its doors more widely, especially to those for whom exposure to contemporary art is new, is one of ICA’s top Campaign priorities. By reaching a wide range of audiences and offering opportunities for shared experiences that build community, ICA emphasizes Penn’s relevance in an increasingly stratified world.

Begun in 2016, ICA’s popular Gather events increase public awareness and provide opportunities to connect with people from the surrounding neighborhood and with members of partner cultural organizations, who often co-sponsor programs. “I Wonder What Else Could Be Different Around Here: A Poetic Intersection with Music and Art,” was a partnership with PHILALALIA and artist Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela. Working with the Leeway Foundation and Girls Rock Philly led to “revolutionary noise: music as struggle and healing,” while another Gather collaboration with the BlackStar Film Festival celebrated author Shantrelle P. Lewis’ new book, “Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style.”

Over half of all Gather attendees have been first-time visitors, with a large turnout from the surrounding neighborhood. “We’ve seen a 34 percent increase in traffic since we began the Gather program,” says Holmes. “Attendees come up to us and tell us how much they enjoy and appreciate the program.” To date, ICA has held nearly a dozen of these events and plans to increase their number and frequency in the coming year. “Gather is our opportunity to be a good neighbor—to West Philadelphia first, then to all of the city,” says Holmes.

ICA Campaign

Penn’s Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is internationally recognized for presenting work that amplifies the voices of artists who have not been heard.

ICA is a non-collecting contemporary art museum, a rare kunsthalle. This frees our curators to explore the globe, uncovering original artists in media ranging from painting to performance. We present art that confronts visitors with new ideas, building the muscle to think differently, which is essential to a well-rounded Penn education.

New, ambitious support will allow ICA to ensure the stability of our unique, curatorial vision, directly introducing more Penn students to contemporary art, and extending the impact of our exhibitions and scholarship by engaging the broader public.

Priorities

OPEN OUR DOORS MORE WIDELY by expanding our public outreach through programming and marketing communications that invite Philadelphians to see ICA as their own

MAKE OUR EXHIBITIONS MORE ACCESSIBLE through a wide range of intriguing public programming and interdisciplinary collaborations that will bring students to ICA from across Penn’s campus

UNDERLINE OUR REPUTATION FOR INNOVATION by increasing endowment for curatorial and key leadership positions whose roles ensure ICA’s strength in presenting fresh and thought-provoking work

Join us! Your membership support helps ICA open our doors more widely, giving more people the opportunity to learn about the artists and art of our time! Members of all levels are invited to ICA’s special previews with artists and curators.

• Current Penn Student…………Free
• Student…………………………..$25 and above
• Artist-Advocate………………..$50 and above
• Dual……………………………….$100 and above*
• Enthusiast……………………….$250 and above**
• Connoisseur…………………….$500 and above***

* Gifts at this level qualify for the North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM) program.
** Gifts at this level qualify for the Modern and Contemporary Reciprocal Membership.
*** Gifts at this level receive public acknowledgment in ICA’s lobby.

Click here to find out how to become a member, or contact Christina Yu at 215-898-4980, or ctamyu@ica.upenn.edu

Join ICA’s Donor Club and explore the world of contemporary art from curator-led exhibitions at renowned museums to intimate visits to artist’s studios and exclusive gatherings in homes of collectors.

Recent donor club excursions:
• Visit to the studio and home of artist Cary Leibowitz, NY
• Driving tour of Monument Lab in Philadelphia
• Curator-led tour of Peter Hujar: Speed of Life at The Morgan Library & Museum NY
• Private visit to the home and studio of Roberto Behar & Rosario Marquardt during Miami Basel
• Special tour of the Easton Foundation in New York, the living and working space of artist Louise Bourgeois, NY

More Information:

Call ICA’s Development office: 215-898-4980

To give to the donor club, click here.

At ICA, you will encounter the unexpected.

Art has the power to question – to inspire – to heal.

We are known for presenting work that amplifies the voices of artists who have not been heard and we are reaching out to an ever-widening group of people eager to learn.

Consider a gift to ICA and help us open our doors more widely and make contemporary art accessible to everyone!