Founded in 1940, South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) is the nation’s first Black art institution, dedicated to amplifying the voices of contemporary Black artists.

SSCAC is a dynamic cultural space where Black art, thought, and radical creativity thrive on Chicago’s South Side. Here, we embrace art as a living, evolving language, one that speaks to resilience, imagination, and the complexities of Black identity in our time. SSCAC is both a platform and a sanctuary—a place where emerging creators stand shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned visionaries, and where every exhibition, workshop, and performance is an invitation to explore and challenge. Our commitment is to showcase bold, current perspectives that resonate with the realities of today while honoring the legacy that brought us here. Join us as we nurture the future of Black art, creating space for innovation, dialogue, and profound cultural expression.

January 2025–March 2029: Beyond Frames: Black Women Collectors Shaping Cultural Heritage in Chicago

Image: South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC), the nation’s first Black art space, forging the future on Chicago’s South Side. Design: Jada-Amina / Photo Credit: Lennell Davis, Jr.