Established in 1975, NEXUS/foundation for today’s art is an artist-run 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' programs are produced and created by the artist membership and are divided into 4 main categories:
- Solo exhibitions by local experimental artists that are presented with complete creative control free from commercial restrictions or censorship.
- Thematic exhibitions developed by member artists or in conjunction with partner organizations. These take the form of groups shows, traveling exhibitions, or juried exhibitions featuring graduates from regional universities.
- Extended programming that elaborates on the themes of the exhibitions. These include an interdisciplinary performance series, on-line video interviews with each exhibiting artist and interpretive materials.
- Workshops designed to situate graduating art school students in the professional art world. Students gain crucial knowledge and experience in such areas as exhibition organization and installation, writing artist statements, and preparing media/press packets.

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 • Nick Cassway • Patricia Giordano, Esq secretary • Catherine Fox Byers • Rebecca Gilbert

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