Standing in solidarity and support of the nationwide protests for justice, the Contemporary Arts Center Board of Directors and Staff have come together to donate $10,000 towards local organizations in their efforts to fight for civil justice and the end of mass incarceration.

In addition to their donation, the CAC has extended their complimentary admission to the CAC galleries through June 14, giving locals the opportunity to experience the two critically-acclaimed exhibitions on view- Mickalene Thomas: Femmes Noires and Meg Turner: Here are Now. Visiting patrons are encouraged to make a donation to local organizations who are continuing the fight against systemic racism and inequality rampant in the country.

The CAC staff has selected four Louisiana-based organizations to support in their stand for justice: VOTE (Voice of the Experienced), ACLU of LA’s campaign to end pretrial incarceration, the Ashe Cultural Center, and Junebug Productions’ Creative Response Artist Relief Funds. David Thaddeus Baker, Vice-Chair of the CAC Board of Director, notes the importance of supporting Black-led organizations in the community: “By supporting the work of Black-led organizations who are on the frontlines of dismantling systemic racism, institutions like the CAC are harnessing this moment to reflect and make a direct impact in our community.”

Through this donation, the CAC offers their supportive stance with the community as demands for justice and equality are made, reflecting on the tragic death of George Floyd and the many Black Americans who have been and continue to be brutalized, discriminated, incarcerated, and denied their rights by a corrupted justice system. 

As stated by George Scheer, Executive Director of the CAC, “We work with the belief that Art is Essential and Art Makes Us Resilient. In the shadow of so much death and surrounded by cries for justice, both staff and board saw an urgent need to share solidarity and funding with our partners working on the frontline to end systemic racism and mass incarceration. In these pursuits, our institution looks to artists whose life and art lay bare all the many social and economic disparities so that we may see. Our work ahead is strengthened by our actions today and the clarity that Black Lives Matter.”

The CAC is currently open at limited capacity Sunday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm until June 14. Gallery tickets must be reserved in advance at cacno.org.