MCASB was founded as alternative arts space Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum (CAF) in 1976 by artists and art supporters seeking a venue dedicated solely to contemporary art. These initial organizers envisioned a “forum” for the display of and discussion about artwork being made today, both locally and in the larger national and international art community. Initially a roaming space, CAF found its first home in the historic Balboa Building in downtown Santa Barbara, before moving into the current 3,500 square foot venue in the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center in 1990. Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), has expanded its role in Central California as the premier non-collecting contemporary arts institution dedicated to exhibiting, commissioning, and documenting the most innovative and compelling art of our time. Its world-class roster features solo and group exhibitions of artists of diverse media, ethnicity, geography, and gender, with accompanying scholarly publications serving as critical contributions to the field of art. In the course of a year, MCASB presents 3-4 exhibitions and over 30 special events.