Our mission

Mission & History

CCA celebrates contemporary artists, filmmakers, and performers who shape how we see and experience the world. Through exhibitions, cinema, and live performance, we create space for reflection, connection, and education.

Our history

More than 40 years ago, the Center for Contemporary Arts of Santa Fe was founded as a grassroots organization, with a vision to enhance our cultural landscape and better the lives of our neighbors. That vision continues to thrive today, informing and growing our contribution to the vibrant cultural landscape of our unique community.

Since our founding in 1979, CCA has been a staple of the Santa Fe arts and culture scene, providing transformational experiences to thousands of visitors annually through independent film, music, theater, exhibitions, and education programs. We're one of the oldest artist-centered organizations in the American Southwest.

Milestones

1979

Founded

CCA opens its doors as a grassroots home for artists and audiences in Santa Fe.

1985

First gallery show

CCA's gallery program begins, going on to feature Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Goldsworthy, Jenny Holzer, and James Luna, alongside celebrated regional artists like Postcommodity, Judy Tuwaletstiwa, and Tom Joyce.

2011

The Due Return

CCA showcases Meow Wolf's groundbreaking immersive installation, a fully interactive large-scale ship that helped lay the groundwork for Meow Wolf's now-iconic House of Eternal Return, here in Santa Fe.

Today

4,000+ films and counting

CCA has screened more than 4,000 films and hosted filmmakers and performers including Godfrey Reggio, Ari Aster, Ethan Hawke, Al Pacino, Laurie Anderson, Gus Van Sant, Nagisa Oshima, Charles Burnett, Alex Cox, and Jim Jarmusch.

No single exhibition or film series could capture the breadth of CCA's role in the cultural life of Santa Fe. For more than 45 years, it has been a creative heartbeat of this city.