Membership Options

Society of Contemporary Art members enjoy unparalleled access to private exhibition tours, curated gallery walks, artists studio visits, and members-only social events–plus lectures and conversations. Each of the five membership levels provides invitations for two people to special events and unique experiences designed exclusively for members, as well as a shared vote at the Annual Meeting. All dues are tax deductible, to the extent permitted by law.

Art Institute of Chicago membership at any level is required for SCA membership.

The SCA offers reduced fee Junior, Artist, and Friend level memberships on an annual basis. To be considered, please fill out the application.


  • $1 Per Year

    $1

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Doloribus id tenetur corrupti voluptatem numquam quibusdam incidunt quas eius provident blanditiis, quidem ipsum iusto veritatis dolores ipsa, quod adipisci assumenda quae iure illum commodi exercitationem et nihil.

    $1 Memberships are offered to developers at Firebelly Design.

  • $2 Per Year

    $2

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Doloribus id tenetur corrupti voluptatem numquam quibusdam incidunt quas eius provident blanditiis, quidem ipsum iusto veritatis dolores ipsa, quod adipisci assumenda quae iure illum commodi exercitationem et nihil.

    $2 Memberships are offered to developers at Firebelly Design.

  • $0 Membership

    $0

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Doloribus id tenetur corrupti voluptatem numquam quibusdam incidunt quas eius provident blanditiis, quidem ipsum iusto veritatis dolores ipsa, quod adipisci assumenda quae iure illum commodi exercitationem et nihil.

    $0 Memberships are offered to developers at Firebelly Design.

  • Junior

    $200

    Join our energetic group of young patrons learning together about new art and artists, and developing insights into collecting contemporary art and supporting the arts landscape in Chicago. Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes and after-hours programs at the Art Institute of Chicago and art venues throughout the city.

    JUNIOR memberships are offered to those under the age of 35.

    Junior members enjoy all Friend-level benefits. All invitations admit two people.

  • Artist

    $200

    Immerse yourself in new and challenging art, ideas, and conversations with other artists, collectors, curators, gallerists, critics, historians, and arts advocates. Engage more deeply with the Art Institute’s contemporary art collection and bring your unique perspective as a working artist to furthering the dialogue about the art of our time.

    ARTIST memberships are offered to practicing artists. All invitations admit two people.

    Artist members enjoy all Friend-level benefits.

  • Friend

    $500

    Enjoy an enriched relationship with contemporary art at the Art Institute of Chicago through distinct programs and events designed exclusively for members. All invitations admit two people.

    FRIEND members enjoy the following benefits:

    • Invitations to private receptions for SCA sponsored performances, exhibitions, and initiatives, as well as the annual reception to welcome new members.

    • Invitations to members-only exhibition tours, gallery walks, parties, and social events.

  • Sponsor

    $1000

    Build a solid foundation of support for contemporary art at the Art Institute of Chicago, and enjoy year-round opportunities for insider access. All invitations admit two people.

    SPONSOR members enjoy all Friend-level benefits in addition to the following:

    • Invitations to an annual Sponsor event, featuring a private gallery tour and lunch.

    • Access to registration for curator-led travel opportunities.

  • Patron

    $2000

    Provide critical support to contemporary art at the Art Institute of Chicago and champion the continued leadership of the museum as a world-class destination for contemporary art, while enjoying unique opportunities and access as part of a dynamic community of inspired collectors and arts advocates. All invitations admit two people.

    PATRON members enjoy all Sponsor-level benefits, in addition to the following:

    • Invitations to an annual Patron/Benefactor event, featuring either a private collection or exhibition tour and reception.

    • Private access to select exhibitions in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago.

    • Access to visit and view local private art collections.

    • Priority registration for curator-led travel opportunities.

    • VIP passes to select art fairs.

  • Benefactor

    $5000

    Join an intimate group of our most passionate and generous philanthropists in advancing the SCA’s mission of supporting contemporary art at the Art Institute of Chicago and engaging the community in an unparalleled conversation about the art of our time. As a member of this active group of distinguished collectors and contemporary arts ambassadors, you will make an impactful commitment and enjoy premium access. All invitations admit two people.

    BENEFACTOR members enjoy all Patron-level benefits, in addition to the following:

    • Invitations to private events with distinguished guests including the Art Institute’s curators, visiting artists, and scholars.

    • Invitations to an annual Patron/Benefactor event, featuring either a private collection or exhibition tour and receptions.

    • Preferred seating at program dinners and special invitations.

    • Premium registration for curator-led travel opportunities.

    • VIP passes to select art fairs.

  • $0 Per Year

    $0

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Doloribus id tenetur corrupti voluptatem numquam quibusdam incidunt quas eius provident blanditiis, quidem ipsum iusto veritatis dolores ipsa, quod adipisci assumenda quae iure illum commodi exercitationem et nihil.

    $0 Memberships are offered to developers at Firebelly Design.

To pay your membership fees by check or stock transfer contact the SCA at info@scaaic.org.

A group of people stand in a gallery space.

Junior and Artist SCA members on a tour of EXPO Chicago in 2022.

View on Instagram
a group stands in front of a blue painting

Members attending the SCA Annual Meeting, held at the Arts Club of Chicago in 2022

A large graphite and colored pencil drawing with a white frame hangs on a white wall.

Tony Lewis. Equal, 2021. Acquired in 2021.

View on Instagram

Support Us

Your tax-deductible contribution will be used to further the mission of the Society for Contemporary Art through programs and initiatives.