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EnglishWhat is the International Sculpture Center (ISC)?
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The International Sculpture Center (ISC) is a member-supported, nonprofit arts organization founded in 1960. Its stated vision is to advance the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique and vital contribution to society. If you are trying to understand what the ISC is, what it stands for, or whether it is relevant to you as a sculptor, institution, or patron, the sections below summarize its mission, values, and activities based on the organization's own published information.
Mission
According to the ISC, its mission is to:
- Expand public understanding and appreciation of sculpture internationally
- Demonstrate the power of sculpture to educate and effect social change
- Engage artists and arts professionals in a dialogue to advance the art form
- Promote a supportive environment for sculpture and sculptors
These four points define the organization's purpose and frame the kinds of programs and resources it offers.
Values
The ISC states that at the core of all its services, it values:
- Its constituents — sculptors, institutions, and patrons
- Dialogue as the catalyst to innovation and understanding
This means the organization positions conversation and exchange among artists, institutions, and supporters as central to how sculpture advances, rather than treating any one group in isolation.
What the ISC Does
The site's navigation and content indicate the ISC operates across several areas:
| Area | Examples from the site |
|---|---|
| Membership | Join, renew, member benefits and types |
| Programs & events | ISC Calendar, Night of Excellence, ISC Conference (Twin Cities 2026), International Sculpture Day, cultural tours, residencies |
| Awards | Educator Award, Innovator Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award, Patron Award, Student Awards |
| Directories & resources | ISC Chapters & Groups, ISC Community Partners, Sculptors Portfolio, Universities, Opportunities |
| Publications | Sculpture Magazine, ISC Updates, ISC Books, ISC Press Room |
| Other | Exhibitions, donations, and an artwork store |
The organization also publishes statements on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and on the Americans with Disabilities Act, which sit alongside its mission, vision, and values pages.
Who It Is For
The ISC describes its constituents as sculptors, institutions, and patrons. In practice, that suggests three broad audiences:
- Sculptors looking for membership benefits, portfolios, chapters, opportunities, awards, and residencies
- Institutions such as universities and community partners seeking directories, resources, and connections
- Patrons interested in supporting sculpture through membership, donations, or awards
A Note on Membership and Pricing
The ISC is described as member-supported, and the site includes Join and Renew pages along with member benefits and types. The available information does not list specific membership prices or payment details, so those would need to be confirmed directly on the ISC website rather than assumed.
Bottom Line
The International Sculpture Center is a long-standing nonprofit dedicated to advancing sculpture and its role in society. Its mission centers on public appreciation, education and social change, professional dialogue, and support for sculptors. If you are a sculptor, arts institution, or patron, the ISC's membership, programs, awards, publications, and directories are the main entry points to explore.