Our goal is to build a flourishing community and to help grow the CMA's collection while mingling with friends and enjoying the artwork at the museum.
Become part of our family and experience lively events, world-class art, and dynamic programming. We encourage both the young and young-at-heart to join the museum and become involved in the museum's cultural activities throughout the year.
Membership in the Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries is an outstanding way to network with other professionals interested in expanding their cultural awareness through social and educational events.
Join the Contemporaries today and start enjoying all we have to offer! For questions about membership, please contact Kaity Monroe, Affinities Manager and Contemporaries liaison.
Join the Contemporaries
Add a Contemporaries membership to your existing CMA membership:
$15 for one cardholder, $25 for two
$5 for students
This upgrade is only valid with a current CMA membership. Not sure if you're current? Give us a call at 803-799-2810 or email info@columbiamuseum.org.
Not yet a CMA member? Join today!
You'll have a chance to add the Contemporaries to your membership during checkout.
Our Mission
The Contemporaries mission is to provide an opportunity to support the CMA through promoting the museum and its programs, diversifying the museum's membership, and leading the next generation of museum supporters. Each year, the Contemporaries host a series of social and cultural events that bring members of the Columbia community together at the museum. A portion of the proceeds from the annual ball and other programming goes toward the Contemporaries' Art Acquisition Fund, designed to acquire a significant piece of art for the museum. For more information on the collection, visit the Art Acquisition page.
New Acquisitions
Two Rodney McMillian artworks have been acquired by the museum with support from the Contemporaries
Rodney McMillian’s conceptual art practice is engaged in an ongoing investigation of the United States, its history and public perceptions, as well as the private experiences and dreams of its inhabitants. He works across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, and film. The CMA is the first museum in the Carolinas to acquire McMillian’s work.
“This is a momentous occasion for our organization, marking the first time in our history that we acquired not only one, but two incredible artworks from a single artist,” said Will Roberts, Contemporaries president. “McMillian’s art challenges norms and inspires creativity. Ultimately, these works help fortify the Contemporaries’ mission to grow involvement at the CMA while securing modern art at the museum.”
The Contemporaries in the News
Columbia-born artist Rodney McMillian receives Key to the City and S.C. State House by the Columbia Museum of Art
Art Daily, November 2023
Columbia-born national artist now represented in his home museum
Columbia Regional Business Report, August 2023
Annual Events
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101 Series
Held throughout the year, the Contemporaries 101 series explores culture both within the museum and in the greater community. Programming is centered around a variety of art mediums such as modern theater, music appreciation, photography, and ceramics, but has been expanded to include other fun components such as wine tasting and art collecting.
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Beer & Brats
Did you know there are 400,000 South Carolina residents that claim German heritage? Oktoberfest is held as a membership drive in September and celebrates the kick-off of fall in the Capital City. It is a great way to wind down after a hot summer with 300 of your closest friends and enjoy an evening of live music, bratwurst, and beer on Boyd Plaza. Held every fall.
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Annual Ball
The Contemporaries present an annual ball that continues to be the hottest event at the coolest place in town. The themed evening gala fuses elements of classic Contemporaries' soirees with new and exciting additions each year. All proceeds from the event benefit the Contemporaries Art Acquisition Fund to continue the success in participating in acquisition of pieces such as those most recently acquired from Dale Chihuly, George Tooker, and Henry Mandell. Held every Winter.
