Summary
Organization name
Dallas Contemporary
Causes
Arts & Humanities
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Leadership
Executive Director/CEO
Address
161 Glass StreetDallas, TX 75207
founded in 1978, dallas contemporary began by hosting annual exhibitions of artwork created by its members and offered rental exhibition space to emerging artists at its swiss avenue location. the museum later broadened its mission to include exhibitions by nonmember artists from texas. in 2010, dc's donors raised the stakes for the landscape of contemporary art in dallas by purchasing a 37,000 sq foot building in the design district and entrusting the institution to the vision and leadership of former executive director peter doroshenko. dc has since expanded its scope to embrace the entire spectrum of contemporary art, thus placing texas artists in a worldwide context. in 2022 carolina alvarez-mathies was appointed to executive director. her aim will be to nurture greater dialogue, further engage the public with cotemporary art, and reimagine the role the institution has within our community.
the institution’s programming focuses on exhibiting both new and recognized multidisciplinary works by emerging and established local and international artists, as well as commissioning site-specific works. dallas contemporary presents around eight rotating exhibitions a year in two annual cycles. such presentations are further enhanced by the institution’s sprawling industrial building, providing a wholly unique context for each individual exhibition. in doing so, it follows the european model of a european kunsthalle, or art hall, a welcoming exhibition site for art of the moment. dc’s programming is complemented by its publications and leading education programs that present lifelong learning opportunities to visitors from infants to elderly adults. admission to the museum is always free.
Mission
dallas contemporary is a non-collecting arts space, a kunsthalle, with the mission to present the forefront of contemporary artistic practice and artistic production through exhibitions, performances, and public programs in order to advance the discovery and appreciation of the art of this moment.
as a kunsthalle, dallas contemporary aims to nimbly navigate the dynamic places of contemporary art, in all its many forms. through the display of art objects, discourse, and community activity, dc aims to be a global locus of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts.
Needs
at dc, we feel it is essential to have an understanding of how the arts can often feel exclusionary or inaccessible to younger and underrepresented audiences. to eliminate entry barriers, museum and programming admission is always free and open to the public. for members of our community and students who may have little to no connection with contemporary arts, our evergreen public programs are meant to create opportunities that present the space and works in a more approachable atmosphere through discussion and inquiry-based practices. any contributions made help us to raise vital operating funds for the museum, to further our mission and continue to present new and challenging ideas through contemporary art—all at free admission, and supported by unparalleled learning programs k-12+ beyond.
Equity Statement
dc is dedicated to engaging the public through exhibition tours, lectures, workshops and events through both in-person and digital channels. we believe in the transformative power of art, with introduction and access to the arts through facilitated learning experiences. as a cultural institution, we feel it is also essential to have an understanding of how the arts can often feel exclusionary or inaccessible to younger and underrepresented audiences. dc has been working to continue enhancing accessibility at the museum to ensure that our programs are able to best serve all public audiences.
equity
we are dedicated to fulfilling our mission by fostering inclusive interactions with the communities we serve. we are committed to dismantling barriers and addressing systemic inequities that hinder the progress of all individuals. recognizing the historical legacies and systemic disparities present, we aim to expand and enrich arts opportunities for everyone.
diversity
our aim is to foster diversity and ensure representation among visitors, artists, staff, and board. by embracing diversity, we are able to best fulfill our mission and provide relevant arts experiences for all visitors. we commit to the recruitment of a diverse staff that embodies the rich dimensions of our communities, leveraging their varied perspectives for the betterment of our institution and dallas arts at large. our commitment also extends to the recruitment of board leadership that reflects our community and understands its needs and diversity.
inclusion
we value and learn from diverse voices and perspectives – our aim is to present an inclusive space and dynamic programming which aids in fostering dialogue through arts and culture. through community partnerships and programming, we seek to actively engage our entire community and bring diverse perspectives into dallas contemporary, promoting mutual learning and growth. additionally, we strive for inclusivity within our physical space, ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of ability or educational background.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Dallas, TX 75207