As its name suggests, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in Cincinnati, OH, is an art hub that focuses on innovation in art across media. An art institution with a regional and global focus, the CAC offers a unique glimpse of the present-day art fabric and serves as a creativity incubator.

Philosophy of the Contemporary Arts Center

The core values cherished at the CAC include seeing art as a power for creative change and the artist’s ability to engage with contemporary issues. The Center targets the challenges that both individual citizens and entire societies need to address. It operates as a community hub that fosters open conversations and artistic expression by expanding artist accessibility.

Current Exhibitions at the CAC

If you happen to be in Cincinnati, the Contemporary Arts Center is a must-visit destination. At present, you can view the exhibition by Sheida Soleimani, titled “What a Revolutionary Must Know,” offering a creative glance at the pervasive impact of world events on human lives. This exhibition forms a part of Soleimani’s wider “Ghostwriter” series, which brings together photography, sculpture, and videos chronicling her family’s escape from the Iranian political prosecution. “What a Revolutionary Must Know” is on view until January 25, so you still have a chance to embrace the artist’s personal narratives of political trauma.

Another must-see exhibition is “Collecting: Classical to Contemporary Art from the University of Cincinnati,” which runs through April 5, 2026. This group exhibition features artworks spanning over 200 years, reflecting the CAC’s effort to contextualize the university’s art holdings through various historical periods. The show bridges creativity across epochs and seeks inspiration for contemporary artists in the centuries of human creative production.

One more notable project currently on view at the CAC is “Second Nature,” organized in partnership with 21c Museum Hotels. The exhibition presents works by Jennifer Steinkamp and Chris Doyle, whose digital animations bridge the natural and the digital. Their art objects interrogate the contemporary relationship of humankind and the environment and offer creative perspectives on ecological balance.

Cultural and Educational Programming

In addition to hosting art exhibitions, the CAC serves as a community center with educational and participatory programs. One of its additional facilities is the UnMuseum®, an interactive space with hands-on exhibits. Besides, the Contemporary Arts Center has a Community Gallery featuring art by local artists and a Quiet Room for attendees with sensory sensitivity. Locals can also enjoy independent art-making activities at the Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste Art Lab, supplying repurposed materials for creative experimentation.