About Us
The SCA supports programming, special initiatives, and exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and welcomes all who are interested in a range of perspectives on contemporary art.
Above: An SCA member viewing "Walnut Tree Orchard" Set 9", 1975-2014 by Charles Gaines, acquired by the SCA in 2017.
SCA & Art Institute of Chicago
Established in 1940 as a not-for-profit organization that supports the Art Institute of Chicago, the SCA promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of the current moment. SCA programs and events offer this insight to participants through accessing artists, leading critics, historians, curators, dealers, distinguished private collections, and major art destinations within the United States and abroad. The SCA also has made a substantial contribution to the museum’s collection and presentations of contemporary art through its acquisitions, special initiatives, and exhibition support.
In 2017, the SCA Engagement Fund was established to lend financial support to select Art Institute of Chicago initiatives related to contemporary art. Providing further opportunities for SCA members to participate directly in the museum’s work, this includes but is not limited to support for: exhibitions and performances, the production of publications, education initiatives, and programming.
Mission
The Society for Contemporary Art (SCA) supports the Art Institute of Chicago by engaging the community in a dialogue about the art of our time and acquiring works that enrich the museum’s collection.
SCA Editions
Contribute to SCA fundraising efforts and impact public programing and initiatives by acquiring an SCA Edition. For more information please contact info@scaaic.org.
- Christopher Wool, Untitled, 2022. Intaglio with relief on Arches En Tout Cas paper. 15 3/4 x 13 3/4 inches. Edition of 40 (+15 AP). Available for purchase: $5,000.
- Tony Lewis, Plunder (1-3), 2022. Graphite powder and rubber cement on paper. 11 x 15 inches. From a closed series of five works. Available for purchase: $10,000.
Artist Lecture Archive
Watch over thirty SCA artist programs from the past decade in the SCA Artist Lecture Archive. The archive will continue to grow as we digitize past programs. Recent programs are added at the end of each season. If you are looking for a past program that is not currently available in the online Artist Lecture Archive, contact the SCA Office at info@scaaic.org to place a request for a copy of the digital file.
Engagement Fund
Performances
Initiated in 2019, Iterations is a series of performance commissions that underline the wide range of artistic practices and attitudes in performance today.
Cevdet Erek chiçiçiçichiciçi
Cally Spooner DEAD TIME (a crime novel)
Alexandra Bachzetsis Chasing a Ghost
Paulina Olowska Naughty Nymphs in the Courtyard of the Favorites
Exhibitions
Malangatana: Mozambique Modern
Hendrik Folkerts and Evelyn T. Wang in Wang's 2022 Performance in Fullerton Hall
Board of Directors
2024-2025
- Larry Antonatos
Officer: President - Michelle Holland
Officer: Vice President and Strategic Partnerships - Parker James Thomas
Officer: Treasurer - Eszter Borvendeg
Officer: Secretary - Patty Sternberg
Nominating, Bylaws and Governance - Fenton Booth
Acquisition - Jessica Diamond
Programming Chair - Macol Stewart Cerda
Membership and Outreach Co-Chair - Aron Gent
Membership and Outreach Co-Chair - Michelle Edwards
Hospitality Chair
- David Egeland
- Eric McKissack
- Paula Molner
- Kate Neisser
- William Padnos
- Paul Rehder
- Zach Smith
- Linda Usher
Staff
- Yi Cao
Director - Emnet Abera
Coordinator
Board Members at the 2023 Annual Meeting
History & Impact
The SCA has evolved significantly during its history. It all began in April of 1940 with Daniel Catton Rich who served as the director of fine arts at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1938-1958. Seeking to strengthen the museum’s program for purchases in contemporary art, Rich met with a small group of friends who, sharing his goal, incorporated a not-for-profit with the name the Society for Contemporary American Art (SCAA). In 1967, the SCAA opted to formally change its name to the Society for Contemporary Art (SCA), to allow for the international focus of art and artists that continues today.
- 80+
Years Supporting the Art Institute of Chicago
- 150+
Artworks Acquired for the Permanent Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago
- 55,000+
Viewers of the SCA Artist Lecture Archive
- 750+
Public Programs & Member Events Held
Performance by Alexandra Bachzetsis, "Chasing a Ghost" in 2019, part of the SCA supported Iterations series.
Become a Member
Connect to art through the people who make it happen and get exclusive access to exhibitions, programs, events, and more.