Established in 2001 as an arts-based organization, the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art (iMOCA) was dedicated to showcasing artwork made by local, national, and international contemporary artists. The organization sought to uproot the traditional museum model and operate instead as a “museum without walls.” iMOCA embraced a flexible, multisite model that was responsive to the needs of artists rather than to a particular gallery. To accomplish this goal, it curated exhibitions to be held in non-traditional locations around the city.
The organization maintained a base of operations in ‘s Murphy Building from 2009 to 2016. Additionally, iMOCA previously maintained a gallery presence at the historic Emelie Building and at the Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
iMOCA collaborated with mid-career and emerging artists to facilitate professional development and established partnerships with organizations that recognize and promote the value and role of contemporary art in society. As a key part of its mission, it was committed to connecting individuals with inspiring and groundbreaking artwork created in the contemporary era. To this end, it coordinated and curated a diverse series of exhibitions to highlight artists operating in a wide array of visual media, including textiles, sculpture, painting, and printmaking. iMOCA further promoted audience and community engagement through a variety of programming, including artist talks, workshops, and a book club. Along with its permanent staff, iMOCA boasted an impressive board comprised of volunteers who served as officers, directors, or advisors.
In 2018, the museum announced that it would take up residence in the old Ford assembly plant in the Holy Cross neighborhood, but by early 2019, iMOCA leaders decided instead to put all of their energy into “working with arts and neighborhood organizations on the east side.” It also rebranded as Indianapolis Contemporary (I/C) in 2019. To coincide with its relaunch, the organization announced its new monthly series called Abstract, an online-based publication that sought to illuminate the tremendous significance of contemporary art and to contextualize the artworks and the artists who create them. That same year, I/C began an inaugural program known as “the Network.” This initiative united 3 Indianapolis-based contemporary artists and 10 national and international curators. Intended to be a two-year program. artists were to receive a stipend as well as the support of the I/C staff and board, which offered management services as well as financial and legal advice.
I/C came to an abrupt end in April 2020. The museum’s board concluded that it would not be able to survive with the financial devastation dealt by the novel coronavirus (COVID 19). I/C had been strained financially before the virus hit. With the pandemic, board members realized that I/C would not be able to “grow its audience.” Its members decided it was better to close before the organization ran out of funds.
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