Begun in 1956 in Winston-Salem, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) was an answer to the growing public desire for an exhibition space devoted to the work of Southern artists. In less than two decades, SECCA represented all 11 Southeastern states in its collection.
In 1976 the Center moved to a new home on the 32-acre estate of industrialist James G. Hanes, opening after the renovation of the estate’s English Hunt-Style mansion, and including the addition of almost 9,000 square feet of gallery space. With the addition of 24,500 square feet in 1990, SECCA broadened its scope to focus on contemporary artists from across the nation, still continuing its commitment to regional artists.
In addition to its devotion to excellence in the visual arts, SECCA programs a variety of events in its 300-seat McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium, including performances of music, drama, dance and film, plus lectures, conferences and symposia on issues in contemporary art. SECCA also actively engages in artist support programs, including the NEA/SECCA Southeastern Artists Fellowships and Awards in the Visual Arts, offering fellowships as well as exhibition space and a purchase program to artists nationwide.
SECCA’s Artist in the Community program, initiated in 1994, offers three-week to three-month residencies dedicated to the creation of new work dealing with themes concerning the local community. Furthering its commitment to local and regional issues, SECCA launched the HOME House Project in 2003, aimed at creating a new national low-income housing model integrating state-of-the-art design, environmental consciousness, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) Information
- Public Transportation: Fair (an 8-minute walk from WSTA bus 16 at Reynolda Road/Marguerite Drive and a 12-minute walk from bus 21 at Robinhood Road/Vernon Avenue)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday open until 8 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m., Closed Mondays and major holidays
- Admission: Free
- Tour: Group tours are free and are offered Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The maximum group size is 40. Tours must be requested at least three weeks before your visit
- Membership: Individual membership is $50 (Student/Educator $25, Household $75). Benefits are tiered with every member receiving invitations to members-only exhibition openings and special events; discounted rates to ticketed SECCA events; advance notice of special events and programs; member volunteer opportunities; and a subscription to the SECCA E-newsletter
- Other Benefits: Reciprocal membership to other museums is available at the Collaborator level ($150).
