The Catered Affair (TCA), New England’s culinary, event, and hospitality authority, announced today that they have been awarded the exclusive food and event services contract at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA). The contract, beginning in January 2018, will combine TCA’s 40-year history of bringing culinary and event excellence to the area’s most reputable venues and functions with the ICA’s mission for creating dynamic exhibitions and performances in a breathtaking waterfront setting.
“The Catered Affair’s reputation for fresh, creative, and exquisite cuisine, combined with their operational expertise and excellence in client-service makes them the perfect choice for the ICA,” said Michael Taubenberger, Chief Operating Officer of the ICA. “As the museum continues to expand its exhibitions, programming, and audiences, we are happy to have an experienced partner that will elevate the level of service to match our growth.”
Effective immediately, The Catered Affair will begin contracting events for the stunning spaces available within the ICA for 2018 and beyond. As part of a seamless transition plan, TCA’s staff will also be available to execute all events already scheduled for 2018. The ICA expands TCA’s roster of exclusive venue agreements and will receive a dedicated on-site culinary and event planning & production team that will be supported by the TCA’s operational hub at their Hingham headquarters.
“We are honored to have been chosen to lead catering and event services for the ICA,” said Alex Marconi, owner and head of operations for The Catered Affair. “The stunning combination of art, architecture, and location makes this one of Boston’s most desirable venues for weddings & corporate events.”
The ICA’s waterfront building is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the revitalized Seaport district. The museum’s contemporary aesthetic offers an incredible, spacious setting for the discerning event planner looking for the right venue for a spectacular corporate reception or dinner, a distinctive meeting or conference, or a gorgeous wedding celebration. Here is a brief outline of the ICA’s event spaces:
State Street Corporation Lobby
The State Street Corporation Lobby is modern, sleek, and picturesque. The east side of the lobby displays the Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall, featuring large-scale works by leading contemporary artists. This space provides a dramatic setting for any event.
Café
Located just off the State Street Corporation Lobby and overlooking the HarborWalk, the Café offers a more intimate event space. The north wall of the Café opens onto the Putnam Investments Plaza, a sheltered outdoor patio right on the waterfront.
Putnam Investments Plaza
Located at the water’s edge, the Putnam Investments Plaza offers an outdoor patio with striking views. In inclement weather, the Putnam Investments Plaza can be tented and heated.
Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater
Located on the second and third floors of the museum, the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater provides magnificent views of Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline. The glass walls of the theater can be covered by three different layers of shade, ranging from sheer to complete blackout, or remain uncovered to reveal the stunning backdrop.
ABOUT THE CATERED AFFAIR
The Catered Affair is a Boston-area based culinary, event, and hospitality authority. Since it’s humble beginnings as a small catering operation, TCA has grown over the past 4 decades to manage the culinary operations for some of Boston’s most recognizable events and institutions and has recently expanded into operating noteworthy restaurants, cafes, and inns throughout Greater Boston. In addition to the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, TCA has food & event services agreements with the Boston Public Library & the Harvard Art Museums. For more information, visit www.thecateredaffair.com.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART/BOSTON
An influential forum for multi-disciplinary arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston has been at the leading edge of art in Boston for 80 years. Like its iconic building on Boston’s waterfront, the ICA offers new ways of engaging with the world around us. Its exhibitions and programs provide access to contemporary art, artists, and the creative process, inviting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the excitement of new art and ideas. For more information, visit www.icaboston.org.
Photo credit: Charles Mayer