Mission
To inspire the creative genius in us all by nurturing artists through innovative contemporary art.
Core Values
Artist-centric | Educating | Forward-thinking | Going beyond expectations | Inclusive
History
Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, the Contemporary is the first and longest-running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio. The Contemporary arose from the need to provide a platform for the work and ideas of contemporary artists. In the years since its inception, its programs have grown, activating positive change in the art community and community-at-large. As an artist-centric, educational, forward-thinking, inclusive institution that strives to exceed expectations, over 18M residents and cultural tourists experience contemporary art with the Contemporary each year through our exhibitions, public art projects, and education programs.
Today, the Contemporary continues as an incubator for contemporary art, hosting more than 12 exhibitions annually within its 4 onsite galleries and multiple offsite locations within the community. Contemporary art is full of complex themes, and our exhibitions and public programs translate multifaceted ideas into age-appropriate conversations and engaging, interactive activities. Recent exhibitions have tackled the changing environment, immigration, communication, altered realities, nostalgia, family, and dictatorial governments. The artists present global perspectives that encourage understanding and empathy, which is incredibly valuable in this increasingly divisive time.
The Contemporary makes a wide-reaching impact. As a WAGE-certified organization, it advocates for fair compensation for creative work. The Contemporary reduces barriers to participating in the arts and support students, contributing to increasing high school graduation and college readiness rates. Engagement with the arts nurtures emotional intelligence and self-expression, helping people communicate, problem-solve, and support others — skills that enrich the quality of life of our entire community.