Photo: Iwan Baan
DECLARATION
APRIL 21 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2018
Why Declaration?
Declarations mark beginnings, clarify intentions, and propose a social contract. This is true whether we think about something as private as a declaration of love between two people, or as public as the Declaration of Independence. Declarations invite response, whether we agree or disagree. They can take many forms—words, actions, works of art.
Our inaugural exhibition is itself a declaration, a first response to the question “what can the ICA contribute to its context?” It proposes that artists’ declarations are especially crucial during this intense period of change in the U.S. Emphasizing new work by artists based in Richmond and around the globe, it deliberately mixes work by artists of varied generations, backgrounds, and perspectives. Such diversity is essential to any healthy community, whether a university, a city, or a nation. These works mirror the multitude of voices that we encounter on a daily basis, speaking in different modes, tones, and intensities.
Exploring the exhibition
There are many paths through Declaration. You will find art throughout the building—the open spaces of the Markel Center allow encounters with art and ideas from many vantage points. Because contemporary art takes varied forms, throughout the exhibition you will encounter art that ‘speaks’ in many ways: art for looking, art for listening, art that invites participation. You also will discover projects created in collaboration with Richmonders—both on site and out in the city.
Declaration is co-curated by Stephanie Smith, Lisa Freiman, and Amber Esseiva, with Johanna Plummer and Lauren Ross.
We believe in the socially transformative power of art and artists.
We declare that this power can be unleashed through many kinds of artistic practices and through the deliberate inclusion of many voices.
We commit to activating the ICA as an inclusive platform to research, support, and share art’s transformative power.
ICA EXPANDS CURATORIAL TEAM
Our curatorial team is growing! Amber Esseiva is now Assistant Curator, and Enjoli Moon is our new Adjunct Assistant Curator of Film. Both will work alongside Chief Curator Stephanie Smith and Curator of Education and Engagement Johanna Plummer, and will contribute to a dynamic slate of exhibitions, performances, films, and interdisciplinary programs. Esseiva is one of the co-curators of our inaugural exhibition, Declaration. She is a strong voice for emerging artists nationally, and an integral member of the VCUarts community.
TRAVEL WITH THE ICA
Our inaugural ICA member trip travels to Detroit, MI, in September 2018, and will include visits to inspiring urban sites and cultural areas. ICA Chief Curator Stephanie Smith will introduce ICA members to a selection of visionary artists, designers, and thought leaders who are reshaping the city of Detroit.
The group will explore both the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and will learn how these institutions are responding to the changing post-recession climate of the city. We will take a neighborhood tour with Mitch Cope and Gina Reichert of Power House Productions, and will visit with Declaration artist Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., at his studio.
The inaugural ICA Member Trip is available to ICA members at the Premier level, and space is limited. Visit the Support section of our website for more information as it becomes available.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Allison Heerwagen is a member of our Student Engagement Committee and an active member of VCU Globe, one of 10 living-learning programs at VCU. Allison is a VCUarts student majoring in graphic design and serves as an ex-officio member of the ICA’s Advisory Board.
As a board member, Allison ensures that student voices continue to be part of the conversation as the ICA develops. “Through both the Student Engagement Committee and my daily activities on campus, I will collect a wide range of ideas and comments from various departments and levels of study,” she says.
Allison also will learn first-hand how cultural institutions function and will build relationships with Advisory Board members.
ICA GRAND OPENING + BLOCK PARTY
On Saturday, April 21, the ICA at the Markel Center officially opens to the public with its inaugural exhibition, Declaration, and a day-long Block Party showcasing Richmond’s dynamic culture. The event will feature Richmond-based artists and makers leading artmaking, performing live, and serving delicious food. Held outdoors on the Markel Center grounds, Block Party is free and open to the public.
Admission to the ICA is free, but timed tickets will be required for building and exhibition access during opening weekend, April 21–22. After opening, timed tickets will be required for exhibition entry and special events only.
Check icavcu.org for updates and availability. #ICABlockParty
ONGOING PUBLIC + MEMBER PROGRAMS
Public programs are FREE and open to all unless noted. Exhibition admission is free and requires a timed ticket. All tours meet at the Welcome Desk. Check ica.vcu.edu for program registration and ticket information.
Mindfulness / First + Third Tuesdays, 12 pm / Begins May 1
Join us during lunch for meditation sessions in the ICA auditorium. Presented in collaboration with VCU’s College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute (COBE).
Staff Picks / Thursdays, 12:30 pm / Begins May 3
Spend 30 minutes exploring a work of art in depth with a member of the ICA’s talented team. Get unique perspectives on the different ways our staff engages with the art personally and through their work at the ICA.
3-in-30 / First Fridays, 6:30 pm / Begins May 4
Join us in the galleries for a quick look at three artworks in 30 minutes.
Coffee + Conversation / Second Fridays, 10 am / Begins May 11 / Members only
Chat with an ICA staff member over coffee to get the behind the scenes scoop on ICA operations. Bring your questions too! ICA members only. RSVP required; 20 person limit.
Topic Tours / Saturdays, 1 pm / Begins May 12
Free public tours on a variety of special topics led by community members, VCU faculty, ICA staff, or student guides. New to contemporary art? Our topic on second Saturdays is looking at art. Interested in our new building? The topic every third Saturday is architecture.
Artist’s Choice / Third Wednesdays, 6 pm / Begins May 16
Check ica.vcu.edu for time and ticket information. Once a month, the ICA invites an artist to organize and present a program in conjunction with our current exhibition as a way to broaden connections, explore new points of view, and create dialogue to engage participants in the transformative power of art and artists.
Conversations on Call / Fridays, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm / Begins May 18
Visitors seeking more individualized encounters with art can opt for a small group tour with a staff member, student, or special guest guide. The direction of these tours is based on the interest and requests of the group. Limited to six visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mobile Tours / icavcu.org / Available April 21
Listen in as ICA staff, artists, experts, and other interesting folks share their thoughts and unique perspectives about our exhibitions and building. Use your smartphone and our free WiFi to access content at icavcu.org, or borrow an iPod from the Welcome Desk. Earbuds also are available.
