CAM—a non-collecting museum serving the Triangle area and beyond—has since presented important exhibitions including both national and international artists. The name change to CAM came in 1996 as part of a plan to ensure long-term viability that included establishing a permanent home.

CAM merged with the NC State University College of Design in 2006 to provide unique opportunities for study and the development of groundbreaking interpretative tools. The vision for CAM has broadened to include the exploration of the intersections of art and science, technology and design, illustrating the relevance of contemporary art and design to daily life.

CAM will be able to draw on the skills and creativity of the students and faculty of the College of Design in offering visitors innovative ways of engaging with and appreciating contemporary art and design. Adult and family programming will feature a wide range of public programs including lectures, discussions, readings and presentations involving artists, scholars and critics of contemporary art and culture. The result will be a museum filled with energy and imagination and an education and outreach program that promotes a greater understanding of the role of creativity in our everyday lives.

The offices of CAM are currently housed within the College of Design and CAM’s programs continue, utilizing spaces throughout the triangle community. CAM will eventually move to a new facility at 409 West Martin Street in Raleigh’s newly-developing warehouse district. The new facility will provide CAM with the exhibition, education and administrative spaces necessary to fulfill its programmatic mission. The Contemporary Art Foundation, created in early 2006, is now the sole owner of the West Martin Street property with responsibility for raising the additional capital required to transform the site and create and maintain a museum home for CAM.

While awaiting the completion of the museum building, CAM will be creative in planning and presenting exhibitions that attract audiences, build on CAM’s reputation for exciting and innovative programs, and generate excitement and anticipation around the opening of the permanent facility.