The Vancouver Centre of International Contemporary Art (CICA) is a non-profit, BIPOC and female-led and community-based multidisciplinary art organization registered and established in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 2021 by Tony Hui Cao, CICA Vancouver dedicates its space and resources for three to four seasonal exhibitions and special exhibition programs every year. The seasonal exhibitions aim to bring international artists’ works to the city, to showcase their artistic practices, and to introduce diverse perspectives that are meaningful, impactful, and inspiring. Special exhibition programs are designed to bring even more variety of art into the CICA space – including featuring BC-based immigrant artists – and make it a choice destination for artistic learning and aesthetic experience for diverse audiences of all ages.

In the last two years, CICA Vancouver has showcased the works of brilliant artists, including Javier Calleja, Andrea Joyce Heimer, Tania Marmolejo, Amir H Fallah, George Condo, Rashid Johnson, Derek Fordjour, Hernan Bas, Austin Lee, Hajime Sorayama, and James Turrell. Notably, several of these artists had not previously exhibited their work in Canada, making CICA elated to have provided a platform for their premier showcase in Vancouver.

These exhibitions serve as impactful cultural events, contributing to the enrichment of Vancouver’s artistic landscape. They not only showcase a diverse array of creative expressions but also create a bridge between the local community and the global art scene. 

Beyond exhibitions, CICA actively engages in educational initiatives for schools and families, offering activities such as field trips, creative learners’ programs, and Saturday guided tours for families. CICA’s dedication to accessibility ensures the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds in these educational experiences. From St. Georges to Mulgrave, Franklin Elementary, SFU Contemporary, and others, CICA has organized numerous field trips, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and exposing them to exceptional art not previously seen in Canada. These experiences enable students to connect with the international art community within their city, offering possibilities that might otherwise be out of reach.

In addition to exhibitions and educational programs, CICA hosts thought-provoking events and workshops, including the Hair, Art, and Feminism panel talk, LAHM painting workshop, and Science World Creative Learner workshop, fostering meaningful conversations and creative exploration.

CICA Vancouver’s space will preserve the natural beauty of the historical brick walls while offering maximum flexibility. The ground floor is the main exhibition area equipped with 6 wall panels. All the wall panels are movable and can be joined together to create an 8-metre continuous wall space. The mezzanine will serve as a multipurpose space with audio-visual, removable blinds, and a lounge area to meet the needs for presentations, workshops, and special events. The skylight allows natural light to pour in, enhancing energy efficiency while creating a harmonious interaction between the polished inside and nature.