Social Practice CUNY Program to Close in February 2027 After Five Years

The Social Practice City University of New York (SPCUNY), an artist-driven program that offers fellowships for socially conscious art across CUNY's 25 campuses, is set to shut down in February 2027. Established in 2021 by Chloë Bass and Gregory Sholette as a response to the challenges of virtual learning during the pandemic and the corporatization of universities, SPCUNY received support from the Mellon Foundation. Over five years, it allocated $535,000 in project grants to 129 fellows, focusing on issues such as climate change, racial inequality, and immigration. With Bass and Sholette departing from their roles at Queens College and no clear successor, SPCUNY will publish "Practicing in Public" and continue its events before concluding operations, aiming for a potential revival.