Get Involved

MAAC is a place where all students can become involved in the multicultural community at SAIC. Multicultural Affairs Affinity Communities (MAAC) is a monthly convening, open to all student leaders of identity-based groups, and students. MAAC is a place of intersectional* dialogue and activism around identity, and the shared and unique perspectives of community members. This includes, but is not limited to:

• International students
• Black, Brown, Indigenous, and students of Color
• Cultural/ethnic students
• Faith and spirituality-based students
• LGBTQ+ students and allies

During MAAC meetings, we share narratives, stories, perspectives, and resources. As a community, we participate in a dialogue about ideas that promote inclusivity, respect, and acceptance in the SAIC community. MAAC meetings are a space for the affinity leaders and other group members of our various affinity groups on campus to convene, come together and discuss, collaborate, encourage, and grow together. 

*Multicultural Affairs recognizes the intersections of these identities and that any one individual, their narratives, and their perspectives is a reflection of these identities. Intersectionality is the idea that issues of gender, race, class, etc. interact on multiple and often simultaneous levels. The term was first defined in Kimberlé Crenshaw's "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics," University of Chicago Legal Form, 1989, 139-67.

Approximately one-third of all the student groups are affinity- or identity-based. Student affinity groups are formed around a shared interest, ideology, identity, experience, or common goal. These student-led groups are open to all members of the community, and provide opportunities to form meaningful connections. Within each group, is a place to find belonging around shared experiences, ideas, and identities; as well as an opportunity to learn perspectives that may be different from your own. 

Group will often host recurring meetings, or organize events such as festivals, symposia, panels, artist talks, and workshops. The active groups are listed below. If you're interested in getting involved, but aren't sure where to begin, we're here to guide you through the process of finding community. Email kvalera@saic.edu and we'll get you connected.

• African Student Association: ASA is committed to providing a platform where African students can voice their concerns, share experiences, and engage in activities that capture their dynamic cultural heritage. We aim to create a vibrant community that embraces the richness and diversity of African cultures at SAIC.

• Arab Cultural Club: The Arab Culture Club is a student group aimed at introducing Arab culture to the SAIC community through various events, including film screenings, discussions, food, and coffee. 

• Black Fashion Council is a collective that is open to the black fashion student body and provides a space where their Black fashion students and artists' voices can be heard and their ideas recognized
• Black in Dialogue: Black in Dialogue provides a safe setting for understanding, exploring, and analyzing works by artists from the African Diaspora. Black in Dialogue is available to students from all backgrounds who are interested in African Diasporic studies and want to discuss in collaboration with SAIC's MFA program.
• BLK@SAIC is a student-led space which creates support and community around the African Diaspora
• Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)'s goal is to serve Chinese students, build community, and facilitates cultural events 
• Coalition for Black Restorative Artists (COBRA) is an organization for Black graduate students at SAIC. 
• Hapa, Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders (HAAAPI) forms spaces for dialogue and visibility around the intersectional experiences of Hapa, Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students at SAIC.  
• IEUM Production: We are a group of Korean film students with a passion for creating short films.
• Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IV) creates an atmosphere of community, respect, and genuine kindness rooted in the principles of faith and spirituality
• Korean Graduate Student Community (KGSC) is a platform of support, networking and cultural exchange for Korean graduate students
• Korean Student Association (KSA) promotes Korean culture and tradition by coordinating events and publishing an annual magazine to create meaningful bonding experiences among Korean students
• SAIC UNIDXS is created for and by Latinx folx to come together, hold discussions, and celebrate our Latinidad
• National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) campaigns diversity within the design professions
• Indigenous Student Association (ISA) holds Zoom meetings, workshops, guest lectures, and readings that engage in the art and politics of Indigenous people
• Organization of Asian Artist Propagation (OAAP): OAAP is an organization to connect students with resources inside and outside of SAIC with the local Asian and  Communities. We do not only encourage people to present their work to the public; we hope we can work with the school and give students additional space to engage their work in a more relaxed environment.
• SAIC Hillel is a platform for Jewish Life and invites the community to learn more about Jewish culture and heritage through holiday celebrations, discussions, and exhibitions
• SAIC Japanese Cultural Association: The SAIC Japanese Cultural Association is a passionate student group at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago that seeks to promote and celebrate Japanese culture within our school and to the diverse Chicago community. Anyone interested can join to help us create an inclusive space for sharing your passion and love for Japanese culture!
• SAIC Trans Artist Coalition is a group of trans, queer, and allied artists. We are gathering for community building, archiving, public action, and resource sharing. We aim to create a centralized body of trans art and practice, as well as facilitating an inclusive space.
• Saudi Students Association (SSA): SSA is a Saudi Student group in saic to help each other, create cultural events and be there for each other.
• South Asian Student Association (SASA): SASA is a student organization dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and social interaction that focuses on engaging the students with artistic, social, and cultural events spanning across South Asia. As the South Asian student community grows and thrives at SAIC, it is an opportunity for anyone interested in diversity of beliefs, of religion and of food. 
• South East Asian Community is a safe and respectful place for artists and individuals to exchange multicultural experiences, histories, relations, and cultivate the narrative of the south east asian influence in the modern art world. 
• Taiwanese Grad Student Association: TGSA's mission is to provide a supportive platform for Taiwanese graduate students, connecting them with a network of peers who share their background or interests. The association is committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by Taiwanese graduate students and aims to enhance their academic and social experiences at SAIC 
• Transfiguration is a space that embraces trans artists and figure models. We intend to draw, paint, study, and discuss the figure during the weekly sessions. Given the opportunity, we will hold a show at the end of each semester, showcasing work created in the space. Artists will practice life drawing, celebrate diversity, and build community.

If there is a student group that you would like to see that does not currently exist, please email the Director of Student Affairs for Diversity and Inclusion to learn more!