Support

Fundraising Events

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Gathering, celebrating, and commemorating—each fundraising event at the MCA is a unique opportunity to support contemporary art.

ArtEdge

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s most anticipated gala, ArtEdge, is recognized as one of the most innovative events in the city. ArtEdge is a sensory experience which honors art in all forms. Guests enjoy MCA’s most anticipated exhibitions, accompanied by incredible music and delicious fare.

ArtEdge celebrates the MCA’s mission by supporting its vital programs and annual fundraising efforts.

artEdge 2014: David Bowie Is. Sep 20, 2014. Photo: Jim Prisching, © MCA Chicago
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Visionary

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Visionary luncheon is dedicated to celebrating extraordinary women artists around the world. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the MCA Women’s Board, unites Chicago’s most influential leaders in support of arts education and public outreach programs. Guests also enjoy an exclusive chance to engage with a featured artist who attends the luncheon at the Standard in Chicago.

This special event helps raise funds in support of the museum’s Learning Studios, which, throughout the school year, offer artist-led tours and creation labs at no charge to approximately 10,000 Chicago Public School students, from first to twelfth grade.

Proceeds of the Visionary luncheon support the MCA Women’s Board’s commitment to Learning and Public Programs at the museum.

Women’s Board Visionary Luncheon featuring Judy Chicago April 30, 2019. Photo: Jeremy Lawson Photography, © MCA Chicago

Vernissage

Vernissage \ver-ni-säzh\ From the French term for “varnish,” vernissage has come to mean the energy and excitement of an art exhibition opening.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is proud to host Vernissage, the opening-night benefit of EXPO CHICAGO which presents artwork from leading galleries around the world. This memorable celebration offers attendees an exclusive first look at the art.

Vernissage is made possible with support from the MCA Trustees and the Women’s Board. Proceeds from the event raise significant funds in support of the MCA’s Learning department’s mission, whose programs offer compelling opportunities to explore, challenge, discuss, and reflect on the MCA’s holdings, as well as the larger world of contemporary art and culture.

Vernissage at EXPO Chicago. September 19, 2019. Photo: Jeremy Lawson and Braxton Black for Jeremy Lawson Photography, © MCA Chicago

Corporate Art Award Luncheon

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s annual Corporate Art Award celebrates arts education philanthropy in Chicago. This award recognizes significant supporters for sustaining the MCA’s robust and responsive arts education program, and more importantly acknowledging a greater need for Chicago’s children to experience the contemporary arts in a way that honors challenging experiences and provides opportunities for healing and growth.

All event proceeds support the MCA’s learning programs.

Corporate Art Award. May 13, 2019. Photo: Jeremy Lawson Photography, © MCA Chicago

Benefit Art Auction

The Art Auction, Chicago’s premier event benefitting the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, is an essential part in fundraising for the museum and fulfilling its mission to create exhibitions and programs that champion revelatory art and spark civic transformation.

The works assembled for the auction go on sale for one night only, where guests can enjoy the electric atmosphere of bidding among other collectors in person, by phone, or online. This exclusive evening features cocktails and viewing, followed by a seated dinner and live auction.

This event is made possible by the generosity of the MCA’s Board of Trustees along with the incredible artwork from today’s leading artists and galleries from around the world.

MCA 2019 Benefit Art Auction. © MCA Chicago. Photo by Braxton Black