Mission realignment to center welcoming broad audiences

Institute of Contemporary Art

ICA staff gather for a training on “Creating Affirming Spaces" — ICA staff gather for a training on “Creating Affirming Spaces: Understanding Gender and Sexuality & Best Practices” with Lex Horwitz, 2023, ICA Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

ICA staff participate in a “Deeper Dive” with Lex Horowitz building on the workshop “Creating Affirming Spaces,” 2024, ICA Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

ICA staff engage in a strategic planning workshop with Val Gay and Caralyn Spector, 2023, ICA Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Recipient

Grant Year 2021

Grant Amount $300,000

Status Completed

Updated July 30, 2025

Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania engaged its staff, board, community, and consultants in a strategic visioning process, centered on making the museum more accessible for a broad range of visitors. A revised mission statement and organizational plan considers how this venue for contemporary art and culture can become more welcoming, relevant, and responsive to the local and global communities it serves.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.

Recipient

Institute of Contemporary Art

Founded in 1963, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at the University of Pennsylvania has developed an international reputation as a preeminent venue for contemporary art and culture. ICA is widely known for exhibiting artists at critical points in their careers. It organized the first museum shows on the work of Andy Warhol, Laurie Anderson, Robert Indiana, and Agnes Martin. A non-collecting museum, ICA is also one of the only kunsthalles in America.

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