Founded in 1973, University Galleries of Illinois State University is one of the premier exhibition spaces for contemporary art in the Midwest. Its mission is to foster a greater understanding of contemporary art in urban and rural communities, while providing support for artists at pivotal points in their careers. Consistent with their university heritage, University Galleries cultivate a laboratory of expression that embraces various approaches to creating and experiencing art. They bring socially engaged art, performance, and experimental process to their region, while furthering the careers of artists through residences, exhibitions and publications, and funding for new projects.
University Galleries of Illinois State University
Installation view of “An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky,” curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Artists (left to right): Dario Robleto, Carrie Gundersdorf, Rohini Devasher, Dario Robleto, and Katie Paterson. Photo credit: Anthony Hamilton.
Installation view of Aram Han Sifuentes’ “Protest Banner Lending Library” (2016–present) in her solo exhibition “We Are Never Never Other,” curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from August 15 through October 13, 2019. Photo credit: Jessica Bingham.
Installation view of Aram Han Sifuentes: “We Are Never Never Other,” curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from August 15 through October 13, 2019. Photo credit: Jessica Bingham.
Installation view of Jen Bervin: “Shift Rotate Reflect, Selected Works (1997–2020),” curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from August 15 through December 13, 2020. Photo credit: Lyndsie Schlink.
Installation view of “An Infinite and Omnivorous Sky,” curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from January 10 through February 19, 2020. Artists (left to right): Kambui Olujimi, Brittany Nelson, Trevor Paglen, Trevor Paglen, william cordova, and Basim Magdy. Photo credit: Jessica Bingham.
Installation view of Jen Bervin: “Shift Rotate Reflect, Selected Works (1997–2020),” curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from August 15 through December 13, 2020. Photo credit: Lyndsie Schlink.
Jen Bervin and Charlotte Lagarde, Su Hui’s “Picture of the Turning Sphere,” 2016–2020. 5-channel video installation with sound and two double-sided embroideries. Dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artists. This work premieres in Jen Bervin: Shift Rotate Reflect, Selected Works (1997–2020), curated by Kendra Paitz and on view at University Galleries of Illinois State University from August 15 through December 13, 2020. Photo credit: Lyndsie Schlink.
“We strive to support institutions that share our artist-centered values. The small grassroots arts organizations as well as the museums that comprise our grantees provide invaluable opportunities for artists to express their unique perspectives on the pressing urgencies of the day. We hope that our grants help to amplify artists’ voices within their communities, in national discussions and debates, and across platforms in the international contemporary art world.”
Joel Wachs, President