Contemporary Practices

Contemporary Practices Department

At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), all incoming students begin in the Department of Contemporary Practices (CP).

We call it Contemporary Practices because the department is dedicated to the ideas and techniques shaping art and design today. The word practices—in the plural—acknowledges the many ways artists and designers apply their ideas in the world.

Your CP faculty are a diverse group of nationally and internationally recognized artists and designers who are also active practitioners and passionate educators. They each bring their creative work, research, and professional experiences into the classroom, connecting what you learn directly to the ideas, techniques, and debates shaping art and design today. Your CP faculty will challenge you and support you as you build new skills, and begin to situate your creative voice within a global conversation.

Through hands-on studio work and conceptual exploration, you will build technical skills, strengthen your ability to conduct artistic research, and develop critical thinking skills. You will also learn how to talk about your own work, respond to the work of others, and understand how your creative practice connects to contemporary social, cultural, and political contexts.
 

Chicago as Your Studio

Contemporary Practices introduces you to Chicago as a living laboratory for art and design. The city becomes part of your classroom, offering inspiration, context, and opportunities to engage with contemporary issues in real world settings. 
 

Our Commitments

Contemporary Practices is committed to expanding the perspectives represented in art and design education. This means examining the histories we teach, the materials we study, and the practices we highlight to ensure they reflect contributions from a wide range of cultures, communities, and viewpoints.

Community and dialogue are central to this experience. In CP, you will work within a diverse and international student body, learning how different perspectives shape contemporary art and design. Together, we foster a respectful and inclusive studio culture that supports experimentation while remaining critically engaged with the world around us.

We prioritize student well-being and diverse learning styles. As part of every Research Studio course, Academic Advising is integrated directly into the classroom experience, helping CP students make informed choices about the curricular paths that support their goals. Students are also supported by the Disability and Learning Resource Center and the Wellness Center. 
 

Opportunities for CP Students

• Exhibiting Your Work: As a CP student, you will have opportunities throughout the year to present your projects. Contemporary Practices provides departmental exhibition spaces, installation rooms, and the option to apply for additional on-campus galleries.
• ARTBASH: Our annual culminating exhibition, co-produced by CP students and faculty, highlights the creativity, experimentation, and wide range of projects developed during the first year.
• Scholarships and awards: CP students may be nominated for the Contemporary Practices Scholarship, the Linda and Vincent Buonanno Contemporary Practices Scholarship, and awards connected to end-of-year exhibitions such as the New Outstanding Artist Award.