The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago presents contemporary art exhibitions, events, and publications. “The Ren”—as we are known by many—is an independent, non-collecting museum driven by an uncompromising commitment to artists and their ideas.
The Ren’s supporters value our independence and dedication to fostering ambitious artistic expression in its many forms. Our members share with us a belief in art’s capacity to reflect, challenge, and inspire contemporary thought.
Whether you frequently attend our programs or follow them from afar, your financial contribution represents an investment in our work and helps to make it available to everyone. Please consider joining us from as little as $5 a month!
Membership
Student
Free and open to all undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on those in the Chicago area. Includes invitations to student events and 20% discount on publications and posters.
JoinFriend
$60/year or $5/month:
- Tote bag designed by artist Peter Wächtler
- 20% discount on publications and posters
- Invitation to annual members event
- Recognition in our Annual Report
Sustaining Member
$150/year or $12.50/month:
- Reciprocal admission to over 60 modern and contemporary museums in North America through Mod/Co, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Walker Art Center, the New Museum, and the Hammer Museum
- plus all FRIEND benefits
Publishing Circle
$500/year or $41.66/month:
- One copy of each new Renaissance Society publication (typically four per year)
- 10% discount on most Renaissance Society editions
- Plus all SUSTAINING MEMBER benefits
Curator's Circle
$1,000/year or $83.33/month:
- Annual meeting to learn about upcoming exhibitions, with the opportunity to sponsor one exhibition (as a group) per year
- Invitation for two to opening reception dinner of Curator’s Circle-sponsored exhibition
- Artists’ studios visits and other regional travel opportunities
- Advance ticket and table sales for the RenBen gala
- Opportunity to serve on RenBen host committee
- Plus all PUBLISHING CIRCLE benefits
Patrons
Together with the Board of Directors, Patrons are among the Ren’s strongest ambassadors and most generous supporters.
Chaired by Board member Marilyn Fields, Patron membership is $2,500 annually, fully tax-deductible, and entitles members to the following benefits:
- Invitations to intimate exhibition opening dinners with Board members, artists, curators, writers, and other notables (typically four per year)
- Two dedicated Patron events per year. Examples of programming include private collection visits, artist studio visits, and salon-style conversations with Ren artists and curators
- Opportunities for art-related travel with Ren curators and Board members. Recent trips have included Tunisia, Norway, Mexico City, and Kassel, Germany.
- VIP Passes to select art fairs including Art Basel, Frieze, and EXPO Chicago
- One private curatorial walkthrough of a Ren exhibition annually for your household and up to 10 guests
- One copy of each new Ren publication (typically four per year)
- 10% discount on Ren artist editions
- 20% discount on Ren publications
- Reciprocal admission to over 60 modern and contemporary museums in North America through Mod/Co, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Walker Art Center, the New Museum, and the Hammer Museum
- Each new Ren exhibition poster (typically four per year)
- Invitation to the Ren’s annual Members Party in late spring
- Recognition as a Patron in the Ren’s Annual Report
- Plus all PUBLISHING CIRCLE benefits
To learn more about Patron membership or about making a gift to the Renaissance Society, contact Jessica Cochran, Deputy Director, at cochranj@uchicago.edu.
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Your support furthers the Renaissance Society’s work as an independent and vital platform for artists and their ideas.
We are grateful for your tax-deductible gift of any size.
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