The Contemporary Art Society

Affiliate Group

View and discuss works of contemporary art with our group of enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs. Share insights and experiences by participating in exciting programming, which includes lectures, tours, and social events that explore the constantly changing art of our times.

The Contemporary Art Society, formally known as the Cleveland Society for Contemporary Art, is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1961.  

For more than six decades, the Contemporary Art Society has played a vital role in developing the Cleveland Museum of Art’s contemporary art collection. CAS has provided funding for the acquisition of more than 20 significant works of art for the museum and has donated to the publication of numerous museum catalogues. Beyond supporting the museum, CAS invests in emerging artists with direct stipends and greater exposure for their work.

CAS Events

In addition to museum-organized events for CAS members, our members enjoy access to exclusive experiences curated by CAS. These thoughtfully designed programs foster a sense of community and deepen members’ appreciation of contemporary art through meaningful engagement with artists, educators, curators, conservators, collectors, critics, and other leading voices in the art world.

CAS members have embarked on inspiring art-focused journeys to Seattle, Houston, Chicago, New York, Minneapolis, Dallas, Los Angeles, Toronto, Akron, and Pittsburgh. Recent CAS-curated programs have featured:

  • The 2025 annual member meeting at the Cleveland Foundation
  • Miguel A. Aragon talk at the Morgan Conservatory
  • Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson studio tour
  • Hieronymus Objects collection tour
  • Manabu Ikeda talk and exhibition tour at moCa
  • Daniel Arsham’s Score and Sound exhibition tour at the Sculpture Center
  • Charmaine Spencer studio tour
  • 58th Carnegie International & Troy Hill Art Houses tours
  • An evening with Tammy Nguyen at a private collector’s home

Membership Levels

$   50           Student Level

$ 150           Collector Level—Individual

$ 250           Collector Level—Dual

$ 300           Patron (includes two free tickets for any single event)

$ 500           Benefactor (includes four free tickets for two events)

CAS's Mission Statement

Our mission is to champion emerging and established artists; create inspiring and enriching art events for our members; and provide support for the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Supporting CAS

Our mission is dependent on the generosity of our members. CAS is funded through member contributions to sustain our programs and support local contemporary art. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation by credit card or check. Credit card donations may be made via PayPal by following the link below. Check donations should be made payable to “The Contemporary Art Society” and mailed to:

The Contemporary Art Society

c/o The Cleveland Museum of Art

11150 East Boulevard

Cleveland, OH 44106

For more information about CAS membership, becoming more involved in, or donating to CAS, contact us at ContempArts@outlook.com (opens in a new tab) or reach out to our CMA liaison at 216-707-6738 or cas@clevelandart.org.