The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) was formed in 1989 by students and instructors of the newly formed Department of Art at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This group wanted to create a place where students could further explore their interest in contemporary art and also have some "real life" experiences in exhibiting their works of contemporary art.

Fulfilling a need in the Las Vegas community, the organization established as 501 c(3) corporation in 1993. The goal of the organization was to establish a network for professional artists to share ideas, concepts, to support creative endeavors and to aid the artist artistically and intellectually in a meeting space on a consistent basis. In addition, the organization was formally established to organize art programs and workshops by professionals in the field of fine arts and to enhance the public with education in the visual arts.

The Contemporary Arts Center has since grown to nearly 1000 members throughout Southern Nevada and internationally. The organization has been extremely active in the development of the art community in Las Vegas and has been a cornerstone in the cultural arts scene of the city since its inception.

The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) represents both artists and patrons of the arts that have an interest in being an active part of the contemporary art community on both a local and international level.