The C³: Center for Culture & Communication of the Soros Foundation Hungary was launched 26 June 1996, as a result of a cooperative effort between the Soros Foundation Hungary, Silicon Graphics Hungary and MATÁV: the Hungarian Telecom. The center, unique to the Central/Eastern European region, has assisted in the widespread propagation and innovative application of the new media, acting as a public stage for innovation and with exchange of opinion related to culture and communications, among other means, by encouraging grant applicants and the wider public in the acquaintance, employment and exploration of the Internet. Within the framework of C³, the Soros Center for Contemporary Art (SCCA) Budapest, established in 1985, continues its pursuit of renewed activity.

C³ began as a three-year pilot project, during which time it operated as a programme of the Soros Foundation Hungary. Since November 1999, it continues the work commenced as an independent institution, a non-profit, public foundation, under the name C³ Foundation, with the cooperation of its founders, the Soros Foundation Hungary and MATÁV.

C³ Foundation was founded by the Soros Foundation Hungary and MATÁV in November 1999 as an independent institution, a not-for-profit NGO, a public foundation. In 2015 the founders gave the legal founding rights to the Open Structures Art Society (OSAS).