Mission

CCA celebrates creativity across the arts, humanities and sciences by generating transformative experiences designed to ignite minds and connect people.

History

Forty years ago The Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) was founded as a grassroots organization with a vision to enhance our cultural landscape and better the lives of our neighbors in Santa Fe. That vision continues to thrive today, and we embrace all of the ways this mission continues to inform and grow our contribution to the vibrant cultural landscape of our unique community. From our inception in 1979, CCA has been a staple of the Santa Fe arts and culture scene, providing transformational experiences for the entire community. As one of the oldest artist-centered organizations in the American Southwest, CCA draws more than 65,000 visitors annually for independent films, exhibitions, performances and education/public programs.

In 2018, in partnership with the City of Santa Fe, CCA assumed operations of The Screen, a cultural gem located on the former campus of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. The Screen is a cinematheque, open to the public, located in the heart of Midtown. Founded in 1999, The Screen shows independent cinema, provides free family events for all of Santa Fe including the Midtown and Southside communities and is home to CCA’s Youth Partners Program.