Institute of Contemporary Art

How would a new arts infrastructure value art works and art makers? What would it mean to value art based on its human and social impact rather than as a commodity?

Classroom, meet gallery; gallery, meet classroom

For seven weeks, the ICA will be transformed into an experiential classroom environment, welcoming artists and the public to challenge what ‘infrastructure’ means in the world of art.

Shining a light on forgotten designers

ICA Director Zoë Ryan spoke about the legacy of Anna Russell Jones, the first African American graduate of Moore College of Art & Design. Jones designed rugs and wallpaper and went on to become a graphic designer for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in World War II and illustrated medical procedures at Howard University College of Medicine. “Though she was accomplished, her path was not easy,” Ryan said.

Video screen and photographs hung on a wall

ICA debuts first major retrospective of pioneering video artist

In ‘Without Your Interpretation,’ the Institute of Contemporary Art showcases the work of Ulysses Jenkins, a pivotal influence on contemporary art for more than 50 years.

student standing outside with large sculpture behind

Accessing an artistic archive as an ICA summer intern

Rising senior Min Park, an art history major from South Korea, is organizing the book and image archives as the summer curatorial intern at the Institute of Contemporary Art, and helping plan a September reopening with two new exhibitions.

In Zoë Ryan, a collaborative new leader for the ICA

Zoë Ryan began her role as director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in November. Here, a look at Ryan’s time at the ICA so far and what’s ahead for the institution.

Artist standing in gallery in front of an illustration painted on the wall of people running a race

Q&A

Alumna Jessica Vaughn examines workplace space and culture in ICA solo exhibition

Artist and Weitzman School of Design alumna Jessica Vaughn examines the spaces and culture of the American workplace in her first major solo exhibition, now on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Two people, one sitting in the woods, and the other playing the drums.

Pew Center for Arts & Heritage awards 2020 grants to Penn projects

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage announced 41 grants totaling $10.5 million in support of the Institute for Contemporary Art and Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and a Girard College project involving theater director Brooke O’Harra and music composer Tyshawn Sorey.

Sachs grant paves way for ‘Sis Uprising’ in experimental video

Works by Arien Wilkerson and Sachs Artist-in-Residence Ricardo Bracho debut at a virtual event for Slought.

Zoë Ryan appointed director of the Institute of Contemporary Art

Zoë Ryan has been named as the Daniel W. Dietrich, II Director of the ICA, effective Nov. 5. The announcement was made today by Provost Wendell Pritchett.

Triptych of a still from an art museum showing a contributor to their online content, a spring blossom and a collection of historical objects from the Penn Museum available for exploring virtually online.

Celebrate the arts, history, and nature from home

While Penn’s arts and culture centers remain closed, they are still finding ways to sustain connections through online collections and programs.

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