Cant get the images inserted, but news from VCU: With more than 350 people gathered to celebrate, VCU School of the Arts Dean Joseph Seipel shakes hands with Art von Roemer, a senior executive with general contractor Gilbane, after operating a backhoe to break ground on the Institute for Contemporary Art on June 3, 2014. Virginia Commonwealth University broke ground this week on the Institute for Contemporary Art. This $35 million dollar non-collecting museum, designed by Steven Holl Architects, will be a place of inspiration that will affect the global conversation on the arts and become a cultural hub for VCUarts and the Richmond community. Because of the generosity of numerous donors, including our founding supporters and advocates, Pam and Bill Royall and Kathie and Steve Markel, as well as a naming gift from the Markel Corporation, the Markel Center at the ICA becomes a reality. Our focus will be on a fresh slate of changing, experimental exhibitions, performances, films and programs – both inside and outside the museum – that encourage in-depth consideration of the central issues of our time. Northeast view of VCUs new Institute for Contemporary Art The Institute for Contemporary Art along with the highly regarded VCU School of the Arts, will expand the influence of VCU as one of the most creative and important urban research universities in the country. –Michael Rao, PhD, President, Virginia Commonwealth University Non-collecting museums have long been valued for their exceptional connections to the public. But few have what the ICA will have: the strength of a major, urban research university with the #1 public arts and design school in the country; the synergy of a centrally located East Coast city with a vibrant arts community; a gateway building designed by Steven Holl Architects, one of the world’s most important architects; the perfect director, who was unanimously chosen to lead the charge Dr. Lisa Freiman, an internationally recognized curator and leader in the contemporary art field, has been chosen as the inaugural director of the ICA. During her 11 years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), Freiman created a dynamic and widely renowned influential contemporary art program. Under her direction, the IMA opened 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park to international critical acclaim in June 2010. Shortly thereafter, she served as commissioner of the U.S. Pavilion in the 54th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. Lisa’s international reach will bring the power of the arts around the world to the ICA. Southern view of the ICA “The ICA will strengthen the VMFA’s long-standing alliances with VCU, especially as the ICA presents new and challenging art from fresh young artists drawn from VCU’s School of the Arts and elsewhere. What makes the biggest difference is all the young, creative talent that’s coming to Richmond, that’s staying in Richmond, that’s from Richmond and not leaving, and if there’s anything that makes a difference in our arts community, it’s that singular fact.” –Alex Nyerges, Director, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts The ICA is located at the busiest intersection in Richmond and at the entrance to the city’s arts district. At this site VCU’s world-class art school will now have a non-collecting museum that will enable students and visitors to have direct contact with art and artists from around the globe. ICA Forum “The ICA will be a catalyst for new kinds of artistic explorations and discourse for the VCU community while contributing to the national and international conversation in the arts.“ –Joe Seipel, Dean, VCU School of the Arts Richmond is on fire. Frommer’s named Richmond a Top Destination for 2014. The nine-day World Road Cycling Championships, cycling’s pinnacle event, has chosen Richmond for the 2015 race – this is huge for our river city. The popular Richmond Folk Festival, with its approximately 200,000 happy attendees brings culture of all kinds to town. And Outside Magazine has recently named Richmond the Best River Town in America. Richmond has become a true dining destination, an advertising and design mecca, and yes, we’re even the third most tattooed city in the country. With the ICA, the Depot and our Fine Arts Building within two blocks, VCUarts is making an important statement in the middle of the city – this town takes visual art, performance and design seriously. “We look forward to the realization of inspiring architecture that will be an instrument for contemporary art shaping public space on a unique campus.” –Steven Holl, Principal, Steven Holl Architects
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:51:57 +0000
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