The Subud International Cultural Association (SICA) was founded in 1983 by a group of artists, educators, and cultural activists attending an international gathering of Subud members in the UK. They represented creative disciplines across all sectors, and they came from many nations. Their intention was:
The founder of Subud, Bapak Mhd. Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, welcomed this new initiative, but advised SICA to embrace a very broad definition of culture as culture is not just about the arts. “The arts can show the way,” he said, “but culture includes all aspects of human endeavour.”
Since its beginning, SICA has organised numerous exhibitions, workshops, youth camps, performances, concerts, conferences, and publications throughout the world. It has produced international cultural festivals featuring artists and performers in Sydney, Australia in 1988, Spokane, Washington, USA in 1998, and Innsbruck, Austria in 2004. SICA also helped provide cultural events and activities at World Subud Congresses in Amanacer, Colombia in 1993, Bali, Indonesia in 2001, and in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2010.
SICA's mission is to advance and celebrate activities that grow out of the development of one's soul — one's genuine inner gifts or talents. SICA serves its mission by providing programs and services to individuals and organisations working for the public benefit in the fields of art, culture, and creativity. SICA provides information, training, networking, and support services and opportunities to engage with regional, national, and international cultural initiatives and events.
The Subud International Cultural Association was incorporated in the USA as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1993. Affiliated with the World Subud Association, SICA has subsidiary branches in the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia, with representatives in India, Chile, Indonesia, Colombia, Germany, France, and Italy. SICA serves a worldwide Subud membership and the general public in the many communities where it operates. A volunteer Board of Directors coordinates its activities.
SICA's main office is in Austin, Texas, USA.