MISSION - Established in 1975, NEXUS/foundation for today’s art is an artist-run, non-profit, gallery space dedicated to supporting local emerging and experimental artists engaged in new art practices. NEXUS presents challenging, innovative and compelling exhibitions of contemporary art that stimulate creative thought and dialog among the public, increasing awareness to the meanings and methods behind today's art.

NEXUS’s annual programming of dynamic and challenging interdisciplinary art includes solo shows by experimental artists, curated exhibitions and monthly performances. Member artists, chosen through a peer review process, are given opportunities once every two years to exhibit their artwork free from commercial restrictions or censorship. Thematic exhibitions, produced by the artist membership, explore current topics and provide a platform for innovative art by local, national and international artists. A monthly series, paraphrase/NEXUS, invites performance artists to create new works inspired by the exhibition’s themes to further a dialog with the artists and public. NEXUS members also take an active role in educating a younger generation of artists through the NEXUSselects program. A workshop and juried show, offered annually to graduating art school seniors, provides basic tools at this transitional point in their careers.

In the summer months NEXUS,s programming is devoted to the Summer Community Arts Series. This special programming provides professional gallery space to community art organizations, which in turn brings focus to their mission, adds value to their program and enriches the experience of their participants.

All of NEXUS exhibitions are free and open to the public.

HISTORY - NEXUS was conceived at a time when very few non-commercial galleries existed in Philadelphia. The founders of NEXUS, three artist/educators, Suzanne Horvitz, Vivian Golden and Sandra Lerner sought to create an exhibition space for emerging artists working with new mediums and concepts that would act as a forum on contemporary art. As the first artist-run cooperative in Philadelphia, Nexus was, and continues to be, committed to the professional presentation of the artist’s work and the education of the public about contemporary art issues.

Recognizing the opportunities an exhibition space like this would provide, many of Philadelphia’s most interesting artists were quickly attracted to NEXUS, a pattern that is still evident today. Resident artists view NEXUS as a launching pad for their artistic careers as well as a venue that enables them to present their work with complete creative control, free of censorship and commercial restrictions. Many of NEXUS’ resident artists and alumni have achieved recognition and acclaim for their work. Since the gallery’s inception, NEXUS resident artists have received nine Pew Fellowships in the arts, ten Independence Foundation Fellowships, and seven Leeway Foundation Emerging Artist awards.

NEXUS believes that it is the responsibility of the artist and gallery to present contemporary art in an enriching and accessible manner. All of our exhibitions offer extended programming such as artist lectures, panel discussions, exhibition catalogs, workshops, or performances. All exhibitions at Nexus are presented free of charge and are open to the public five days a week

Board of Directors: Anne Cecil, Chair • Chris Vecchio, PhD treasurer• Nic Coviello • Patricia Giordano, Esq, secretary • Catherine Fox Byers • Rebecca Gilbert

Executive Director: Nick Cassway

Major Supporters Nexus programs are funded in part by the Samuel S. Fels Fund, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the Argosy Foundation, Winston-Salem Foundation and individual contributions from members and friends.