ICA Case Statement

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Forbes magazine recently listed Richmond, Virginia as one of the top ten up-and-coming cities in the world for entrepreneurial startups, calling it “a hotbed of activity.” Crediting its quality of life, strategic location, thriving cultural arts scene, tax incentives, and great universities (including Virginia Commonwealth University), Forbes predicts that Richmond is “poised to make a big splash in the next several years.”

The Markel Center at the corner of Broad and Belvidere streets, one of the most heavily traveled intersections in Richmond, with 60,000 cars passing through each day.

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THE ICA ► Located just off Interstate 95 at Belvidere

and Broad streets ► Tied to the #1-ranked public art and design

school in the country ► Set within Virginia Commonwealth University,

a major public urban research university ► Located in a city increasingly known for its high

quality of life, diverse cultural offerings, food scene, and creative and entrepreneurial start-ups ► A gathering place for students, faculty, and

the community

Richmond needs a place for the art of today.

Innovative.

Ever-changing.

Always challenging.

Forever new.

This beautiful facility is a testament to the unyielding spirit of a premier urban research university that is committed to excellence, with both a No. 1-ranked School of the Arts and a No. 1-ranked Medical Center. And because we are an

VCU’s 41,000-square-foot Institute for

important part of the city we serve, the

Contemporary Art will be a non-collecting insti-

ICA will also elevate our entire region of

tution that showcases a fresh slate of changing

extraordinarily wise and generous people

exhibitions ranging from innovative visual and

who are full of ambition and innovation,

performing arts to various forms of design and film.

who are inspired to achieve, and who will

The ICA at the Markel Center will be an inspiring

never settle for anything but excellence

place to explore new ideas, objects, experiences, and

—whether in art or in the progress of their

materials related to the central issues of our time.

community. With the ICA, the community

Mission The ICA will create a new environment for artists from around the world to test unconventional ideas, to cross disciplinary boundaries, and to inspire their audiences. This dynamic setting will support a mix of artistic vision, creative collaboration, and community engagement with the goal

and VCU come together to advance the human experience through art, creativity, innovation, education, and enrichment of both body and mind.

Dr. Michael Rao President, Virginia Commonwealth University

of questioning assumptions, encouraging critical discourse, and illuminating our lives.

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The ICA will be a venue for contemporary art that stretches the imagination, explores the boundaries of communication and media, and will truly brand the city as a creative capital.

Anne M. Grier Chair, Visual Arts Center Board of Directors

West face of the ICA at North Pine Street.

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The ICA is an important step forward for Richmond. It will transform a crucial piece of geography where thousands of people pass each day. It will be a stunning reminder that Richmond is a progressive, interesting place. The activities inside, from exhibitions and performances to classes and lectures, will attract visitors from around the country and region, inspiring people of all ages and incomes. The ICA will cement VCU’s leadership as the premier public arts school in the country and will be a magnet for aspiring artists, teachers, and patrons. We will feel, and many will respond to, the creative energy surrounding this wonderful space.

Brad Armstrong Partner, The Martin Agency ICA Campaign Committee Member 5

When Thomas Jefferson designed the Virginia State Capitol, he made an architectural statement about the ideal of governance; his creation was transformational for Richmond and for the state.

Now, over two centuries later, Steven Holl, FAIA, has employed his mastery of contemporary design to shape a visual arts space that celebrates people’s spirit, imagination, and sense of wonder. Although the buildings are across downtown Richmond from one another, the newer has the potential to likewise transfigure our city through its creative tension… spanning time and space to reflect and shape humanity’s noblest ideals.

Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA 2014 President, American Institute of Architects

Architect Steven Holl speaks to a group of VCUarts Pollak Society members at the Virginia Center for Architecture.

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THE ARCHITECT Steven Holl Architects was unanimously selected to design VCU’s ICA from an impressive pool of 63 architecture firms from around the world. Based in New York City and Beijing, Steven Holl Architects has realized architectural works internationally, with extensive experience in the arts, campus and residential work, and master planning. Holl specializes in integrating new projects into contexts with cultural and historical importance, using sustainable building and site development.

The firm has been internationally recognized with many of architecture’s most prestigious awards for quality and excellence in design.

Steven Holl Architects ► R eceived the 2014 Praemium Imperiale prize

We have designed the building to be a flexible, forward-looking instrument that can illuminate the transformative possibilities of contemporary art. Like

in Architecture awarded annually by the Japan

many contemporary artists working

Art Association

today, the ICA’s design does not draw

► R eceived the American Institute of Architects

2012 Gold Award, the highest honor an architect can receive in the U.S. ► Recognized by the American Academy of Arts

and Letters ► Named America’s best architect for “buildings

that satisfy the spirit as well as the eye” by Time magazine

distinctions between the visual and performing arts. The fluidity of the design allows for experimentation and will encourage new ways to display and present art that will capitalize on the ingenuity and creativity apparent throughout the VCU campus.

Steven Holl Principal, Steven Holl Architects

One of Architect Steven Holl’s watercolor studies exploring concepts of space and time for the ICA at the Markel Center.

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Above: Forum opening to the sculpture garden. Below: Abby W. Moore CafĂŠ offering indoor and outdoor seating.

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LEVEL ONE

Forum

G El lass ev at or

Re ce pt io n

Beverly W. Reynolds Gallery

Martha D. Newell Reflection Pool

Café oore W. M y b Ab

The Lewis & Butler Foundation ICA Shop

M F ar W oun y M at da or er ti to Fe on n at Br Pa ur oa rs e d on St s re et

Auditorium

The Markel Center will have two entrances leading into an inviting 33-foot-high forum. One entrance will open to the city and the other towards VCU’s Monroe Park campus, welcoming both community and university participation in the ICA. The first floor features a café, which opens directly to the sculpture garden, the ICA shop, an auditorium with flexible seating for more than 240 people, and a 4,000-square-foot gallery.

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Above: Second floor gallery. Below: Auditorium.

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LEVEL T WO

New M Sculpt arket Corp ure Te o rrace ration

G El lass ev at or

Gallery 2

Gallery 3

g nin

ear le L f xib e l F ace or y o Sp Mem r y N. In Mur s Dr. Pillar De

Auditorium

The second floor features two large galleries with skylights, access to the sculpture terrace, a flexible classroom, a balcony overlooking the forum, and an entrance to the state-of-the-art auditorium.

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Above: True Farr Luck Gallery. Below: Richard S. Reynolds Foundation Board Room.

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LEVEL THREE

G El lass ev at or

The third floor will include a

R R ich F ey ar Bo oun nold d S. ar da s d tio Ro n om

True Farr Luck Gallery

dramatic two-story gallery that will accommodate oversized and suspended art works, as well as the main administrative offices,

Administrative Suite

and a board room.

LOWER LEVEL Art Storage

Art Prep Space In Memory of Cindy L. Neuschwander

Lounge Area and Restrooms

Workshop Coat Check

G El lass ev at or

Green Room

The lower level will include additional office space, a green room, a catering preparation area, art storage, a workshop, art preparation space, the lower lobby, restrooms, and the coat check.

Storage

Administrative Offices

n ratio epa g Pr in r Cate en h Kitc

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Above: The ICA’s green roof will decrease the building’s environmental footprint. Below: The entry fountain presents visitors with a glistening, babbling water feature.

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SUSTAINABILIT Y AND LEED In advancement of VCU’s commitment to science,

increasing insulation; and glass walls designed

technology, and environmental responsibility, the

to exhaust heat in the summer and harness it in

ICA’s design incorporates many environmentally-

the winter. The project is designed to meet LEED

friendly elements, making use of natural resources

platinum certification standards, the highest level

whenever possible. This includes the use of

of sustainable building recognized by the U.S.

geothermal wells to provide heating and cooling

Green Building Council. It’s anticipated to be the

energy for the building; green roofs to absorb

first LEED Platinum Certif ied public building within

storm water, filter pollutants, lower urban

the city of Richmond.

air temperature, and reduce energy costs by

Green roofs absorb storm water, maximize insulation and engender bio-diversity

Glass cavity wall modulates natural light, exhausts heat in summer and harnesses heat in winter

Stormwater is treated and fills the sculpture garden reflecting pool and entry fountain

Geothermal wells provide heating and cooling for building

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ICA Site Broad Street Art District and First Fridays Artwalk VCU buildings

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Economic Development Director, City of Richmond

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CAwith the ICA is one the entire region should embrace. the prospect of crowning this district AD AM

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With downtown Broad Street becoming a destination for Richmond’s thriving arts community,

RN P IKE

WE NEED TH E ICA There is a void in our city. Richmond lacks a creative hub for a growing community of art, performance, and design lovers, and Richmond is ready to join the international conversation

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▻ The Contemporary Austin ▻ Institute of Boston Contemporary Art

about contemporary art.

▻ The Renaissance Society Chicago

VCU’s Institute for Contemporary Art

▻ Contemporary Arts Houston Museum

► W ill be the only venue in Richmond dedicated

solely to exploring the art of our time in all media from around the world ► W ill provide a public place for the community

to engage with VCUarts’ talent and international connections ► Will be a new civic and cultural plaza ► W ill revitalize the most traveled intersection

in the city and ignite economic activity ► W ill play an educational role in the teaching

Los Angeles ▻ Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art

New York ▻ New Museum

Philadelphia ▻ Institute of Contemporary Art Richmond ▻ INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

You can help make the ICA a reality.

and training of undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to the life-long learning of the community ► W ill complement VCUarts and other cultural

institutions in the city ► Will be part of a cultural landscape that

will draw the “creative class” to the city and help keep them here ► Will demonstrate a commitment to the

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next generation

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Virginia continues to be successful in attracting talented people – including those who generate creative ideas for companies and jobs – because we understand the role that the arts play in building strong and vibrant communities. The ICA’s landmark building will be a gateway to the city and will make Richmond a center for the world’s most innovative art and ideas.

Steve Markel Vice Chairman, Markel Corporation Co-Chair, ICA Campaign Committee

Steve Markel, Kathie Markel, and VCU President Micheal Rao at the June 3, 2014 groundbreaking for VCU’s Institute for Contemporary Art. 18

ENHANCING QUALIT Y OF LIFE The ICA at the Markel Center has already earned

are a part of what makes communities livable.

the distinction of being one of Virginia’s top 100

Museums, galleries, and performance halls bring

buildings even before it’s built.

crowds of people and attract restaurants and other businesses to an area, thereby contributing

Richmond and other cities in the U.S. have proven

to the economic health and quality of life of

the positive economic benefits of having a vibrant

the community. The Knight Foundation report

arts community. Arts districts around the world

emphasizes the positive correlation between

have contributed to urban redevelopment,

community attachment and the local GDP.

increased tourism, and improved national and international reputations. According to Carol Coletta’s Fostering the Creative City, “Research

by The Reinvestment Fund shows that cultural engagement indicators are important predictors

Arts and Cultural Organizations in Virginia ► Generate $849 million in annual revenues for

of real estate market improvement. So it only

businesses and $342 million in annual revenues

makes sense that concentrating arts activity… can

for tourism through spending by out-of-state

have a powerful effect on real estate values and

visitors to cultural organizations

that cities would encourage their development.”

► Host nearly 30 million patrons each year ► Attract out-of-state visitors (37% of those

A 2010 “Soul of the Community” survey conducted

who paid admissions to arts and cultural

by the Knight Foundation indicated that a

organizations live outside Virginia)

significant connection exists between the level of residents’ emotional attachment to their community and its economic growth. Notably, the number one factor contributing to that connection is social offerings, which includes availability of arts and cultural activities. The arts

► Supplement their budgets with an estimated

$62 million in grant income annually ► Raise an estimated $74 million in

contributions annually ► Organize 1.4 million hours of volunteer time to

improve the quality of life for all Virginians

Sources: Fostering the Creative City, Carol Coletta, 2008; Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida, 2004; Knight Soul of the Community, Knight Foundation, 2010; Creative Industry Outlook for 2010, FunctionFox Report; Virginians for the Arts: The Economic Impact of Arts and Cultural Organizations in VA, The Wessex Group, 2000.

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So many people are interested in making sure that VCUarts maintains its power. The bottom line is: a great arts school needs a great exhibition space. We’re long overdue. The ICA will be a catalyst for new kinds of artistic explorations and discourse for the VCU community while contributing to the national and international conversation in the arts.

Joe Seipel Dean, VCU School of the Arts Tony Matelli, Josh, 2010; Silicone, hair, fiberglass, urethan, steel and clothes; Installation view, VCUarts Anderson Gallery (Winter 2012).

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THE RIGHT LEADER Dr. Lisa Freiman The university is fortunate to have found an ICA director who has such deep and far-ranging experience in contemporary art and a clear commitment to scholarship. Dr. Lisa Freiman brings a wealth of ideas and energy to both the ICA and VCUarts, and the students, staff, and faculty will benefit greatly from her leadership and insight. The decision to hire her was unanimous.

Freiman is an internationally recognized curator and leader in the contemporary art field. During her 10 years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), Freiman transformed the experience of contemporary art in Indianapolis. She created a Andrew Bordwin

dynamic and widely renowned contemporary art program that has become an influential model for museums. Freiman has provided a platform to support artists’ work through major traveling exhibitions, commissions, acquisitions, and publications.

In 2011, Freiman served as commissioner of the U.S. Pavilion in the 54th International Art Exhibition, la Biennale di Venezia, presenting six newly commissioned, site-responsive works by Puerto

Lisa Freiman is a power to watch.

Art + Auction magazine

incredibly driven and goal-oriented The New York Times

Rico-based artists Allora & Calzadilla. Under Freiman’s vision and direction, the IMA opened 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park to international critical acclaim in June 2010. 100 Acres provided a new model for sculpture parks,

progressive… community-engaged… forward looking NUVO

emphasizing experimentation, place-making, and public engagement with a constantly changing constellation of commissioned artworks.

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VCU helped shape the artist I am today. Its ICA will greatly expand opportunities for tomorrow’s students.

Tara Donovan Sculptor, MacArthur Fellow, VCUarts MFA alumna ICA International Advisory Board member

Tara Donovan, Untitled (Mylar), 2011; Mylar and hot glue; Represented by Pace Gallery, New York. Photo by G.R. Christmas Courtesy The Pace Gallery.

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SUPPORT TH E IC A

Join The Campaign We are honored to be leading the fundraising efforts for VCU’s new Institute for Contemporary

ICA CAMPAIGN COMMIT TEE

Art. Can a single building make a difference to a

Kathie Markel, Co-chair

city’s future? Our answer is decidedly “yes!”

Steve Markel, Co-chair Pam Royall, Co-chair

The ICA’s exhibitions, films, performances, and

Bill Royall, Co-chair

special programs will be a catalyst for creativity and broad civic engagement. The ICA will enhance quality of life and bolster the education of the next

Brad Armstrong

Nancy Lund

generation of the creative class.

Elizabeth Cabell

Paul Monroe

Meg Gottwald

Abby Moore

Freddie Gray

Tom Papa

Judith Guest

Bev Reynolds

Hiter Harris

Mike Schewel

We hope that you will join us in our efforts to make

Jil Harris

Carolyn Snow

a significant difference in the future of Richmond as

Neil Kessler

Harry Thalhimer

well as the larger national and international arenas.

True Luck

Marcia Thalhimer

John Luke

Anne Waleski

We are grateful to the many individuals, foundations, and corporations who have shown tremendous support for this project so far.

Thank you for your consideration.

ICA groundbreaking event. From left; Steve Markel, Kathie Markel, Joe Seipel, Steven Holl, Pam Royall, Bill Royall.

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A few years ago, I read the elegant and famous book The Eyes of the Skin by the Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa. The introduction is written by Steven Holl, Pallasmaa’s close associate and peer, whose words prepare us for an unforgettable lesson on architecture and the human senses. Pallasmaa in turn begins and ends his book praising Holl’s work for its alertness to our full sensorium — not just our eyes but our ears and very skin, our haptic experience of space. When I learned that Steven Holl had been chosen as the architect for VCU’s new Institute for Contemporary Art, my heart leaped in amazement. For our very need of the ICA itself is a need for the direct, physical, in-the-flesh experience of works of contemporary art. Not in tiny pictures on the web, not in magazines, not in reviews of words: we must taste and feel and pace works of art in order to know them and be changed by them. Here is an architect whose legacy is built on the imperative of direct experience as knowledge. This institute and this building, and the art that will come to it, will provide us a form of knowledge that is essential to our evolution.

Elizabeth King Professor, VCUarts Department of Sculpture + Extended Media Elizabeth King, Pupil, 1987–90; Collection of the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington DC; Represented by Danese Gallery, New York.

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VCU AND VCUar ts Virginia Commonwealth University is a major public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research.

Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls more than 31,000 students in 222 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

The VCU School of the Arts is comprised of 16 programs and more than 3,100 students. With the inclusion of our campus in Qatar, comes an additional five programs. VCUarts has been ranked

by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 public graduate arts and design program in the country for more than a decade.

Graduate students in our nine degree programs and 18 concentrations enjoy dedicated time in their studios while interacting with world-class faculty and an impressive group of visiting artists. Our students are encouraged to explore technology’s parameters and discover applications to new and traditional modes of expression while continuing to examine links between art, science, the humanities, and the conditions of the world. The

The ICA should be the place in Richmond to connect students and faculty to the ideas and experiences that reflect creative ways of being in the ever changing now of the contemporary art world. While the conversation will be rigorously international, it will also be vital to optimistically understanding urgent local concerns.

Arnold J. Kemp Chair, VCUarts Department of Painting + Printmaking

graduate programs thrive in an atmosphere of high expectations and have received national and international attention for the quality of our students, the excellence of our faculty, and the success of alumni.

Arnold Kemp, LET HIS BODY BECOME A LIVING LETTER, 2013; Leather shoes handmade by the artist, seashells and welded steel; Courtesy The PDX Contemporary. Photo by Dan Kavitka.

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After a paint performance by Markel leadership, a stencil was lifted and the ICA logo revealed, marking the future site of The ICA at the Markel Center during the groundbreaking ceremony June 3, 2014.

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Dr. Lisa D. Freiman Director ldfreiman@vcu.edu ica.vcu.edu

ica.vcu.edu