[1] The DCA opened on 19 March 1999,[2] but the idea of establishing a visual arts centre in Dundee had been discussed by many concerned parties from the mid-1980s.

In particular, there was a desire to both nurture the students and graduates of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (now a school of the University of Dundee and one of the leading art colleges in the UK) and to build upon the work of those involved with the (now closed) Seagate Gallery and Dundee Printmakers' Workshop.

Initiated by Dundee Printmakers Workshop (Chaired by Sheena Bell and Vice Chair Douglas Black), a partnership was formed between the Council, the University of Dundee and a newly formed company, Dundee Contemporary Arts, led by Sheena Bell (founding Chair), Douglas Black, Steve Grimmond, Ian Howard, John McDougall and Charles McKean.

In March 1995, the Council purchased a semi-derelict garage at 152 Nethergate, favoured due to its geographical proximity to the Dundee Repertory Theatre and the University.

The subsequent international design competition to create a new building was won in July 1996 by Richard Murphy Architects.