The Institute of Contemporary Art strives to share the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation, and imagination that contemporary art offers through public access to art, artists, and the creative process.

The primary activities of the ICA are threefold:

- To present outstanding contemporary art in all media, including visual art exhibitions, music, film, video and performance, that is deserving of public attention and has not been presented in depth to Boston audiences

- To provide innovative experiential learning opportunities for people of all ages through direct encounters with artists and art making

- To design interpretative programs that provide context, develop appreciation, and add meaning to contemporary art and culture