The Commons

Located on the second floor of the museum, the MCA’s Commons places artistic and civic exchange at the heart of the museum. Everything that happens within the space, including an array of programs, community meetings, and artist projects, is meant to encourage formal and informal dialogue as well as interaction among artists, visitors, and communities.

Upcoming Programs

Past Programs

Here we encourage formal and informal dialogue as well as interactions among artists, visitors, and communities. The Commons is host to an array of programs, community meetings, and a biannual artist project.

Commons Artist Project

Two people stand on small mounds that are woven like wicker baskets. They are surrounded by four other similar mounds and urban greenery. — Documentation of blkHaUS studios, Sounding Bronzeville, 2016-present. Site-specific installation, Burnham Wildlife Corridor, Chicago.
Photo © Sandra Steinbrecher.

The Commons Artist Project is a biannual exhibition series that provides a platform for artists to create commissioned installations that consider the big issues of our time. Developed in dialogue with our visitors, the projects provide direct opportunities to interact with the works and ideas of local and regional artists of national recognition. The Commons also hosts an array of programs and community meetings. New events and experiences are added to our Programs page regularly.

Funding

Lead support for the Commons is provided by Rebecca W. Knight and Lester B. Knight, Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, and the Thomas Wilson—Jill Garling Foundation.