The Visual Arts Department presents an ongoing program of solo and thematic group exhibitions. CAC exhibitions are devoted to contemporary art in all media, and feature works by emerging artists as well as artists who have achieved local, national, or international recognition. Some exhibitions are organized by the CAC, while others are nationally touring exhibitions that have been organized by peer institutions or independent curators.

All exhibitions are accompanied by education components that include didactic labels and wall text, as well as lectures, panels, or gallery talks by artists, curators, or other specialists in the field. For many larger exhibitions, scholarly catalogues are available for purchase.