The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF) is packing up its collections in Dogpatch and moving to a new location Downtown this October. After making a splash in San Francisco with its free admission policy and a roster of internationally acclaimed exhibitions, the art institute is setting up shop in The Cube, a historic building at 345 Montgomery Street, as part of a two-year partnership with Vornado Realty Trust, according to the The San Francisco Standard.
Since its launch in October 2022, ICA SF has presented eight exhibitions and collaborated with over 120 Bay Area creatives, a testament to its vibrant engagement with the local art scene. However, it's not just about keeping the turnstiles spinning; it's a move driven by the need for financial sustainability and long-term success. "ICA SF was founded with the commitment to staying nimble, examining the contours of what an art institution can be, enabling artists to experiment, and offering FREE admission for all", Founding Director Ali Gass relayed in a statement obtained by the ICA SF website.
The move is not without its emotional tug. ICA SF acknowledged the support and growth experienced in Dogpatch, especially crediting the MSP Foundation and Andy and Deborah Rappaport for their backing. But as the saying goes, all good things come to an end, and in this instance, to potentially even better beginnings. With The Cube located amidst San Francisco’s bustling Financial District and near cultural institutions like SFMOMA and the Asian Art Museum, ICA SF is strategically positioned to branch out and deepen its impact.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed echoed the importance of the move for the city's cultural fabric, saying through the ICA SF website, "ICA SF has quickly become an essential part of San Francisco’s vibrant arts scene." The sentiment is that the new location is not just a physical transition but also a reflection of the city's dedication to fostering a dynamic cultural environment. The Cube itself, a structure with historical and architectural significance, offers 78,000 square feet of space, including a 5-story atrium that promises to be a fitting venue for ICA SF’s non-traditional exhibition formats and artistic experimentation. The Cube’s photo, via the ICA SF's Facebook page, courtesy of Vornado Realty Trust, hints at the potential for what can be achieved in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District.
ICA SF plans to inaugurate the new space with two fall exhibitions: The Poetics of Dimensions and Maryam Yousif: Riverbend. They invite the public to join the grand opening day slated on October 25.
