The Social Practice City University of New York (SPCUNY), a prominent initiative supporting artists with social justice leanings, will cease operations in February. Established five years ago by Chloë Bass and Gregory Sholette, the program was envisioned as a response to the changing landscape of higher education amidst the pandemic and increasing corporatization. The closure was confirmed on Tuesday, April 14, with an announcement of its February 2027 end.
SPCUNY, known for its artist-led network that merged art with social issues, provided fellowships across CUNY’s 25 campuses, aided by the Mellon Foundation. Over its tenure, the program awarded $535,000 to 129 fellows. With Bass and Sholette, both stepping down from their academic roles, the project will conclude. Bass, who left Queens College last year, and Sholette, retiring from his art professorship, acknowledged the absence of institutional backing to sustain the program beyond their departure.
Despite not being formally integrated into the university system, SPCUNY facilitated significant projects on themes like climate change and racial inequality. It successfully bridged academic departments and empowered students and faculty to explore critical societal issues through art. Highlighting the history of accessible education within the city’s public universities, Sholette reflected on the program’s homage to past traditions of tuition-free education and critical learning opportunities.
While SPCUNY couldn’t eliminate tuition costs, it provided financial support through the Mellon Foundation, embodying the founding spirit of the university. Looking ahead, Bass and Sholette emphasize the program’s lasting impact and potential revival. They remain hopeful that its principles will inspire future initiatives, with plans for the publication of ‘Practicing in Public’ and a series of events titled ‘How Do We ______ in Public?’ coinciding with its closure.
‘We hope to leave a substantial legacy of resources and a living archive,’ Sholette noted, expressing optimism that the project’s influence will persist and potentially be revitalized with future efforts.
