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.
Staff
- MADI ETTER
Community and Culture Concierge - MARY HEATHCOTT
Executive Director - ELAINE LEAHY
Development Director - CASIE LOMELI
New Media and Communications Coordinator - JACQUELINE SARAGOZA McGILVRAY
Curator and Exhibitions Director - EMILY PALACIOS
Development Associate - AMINAH PARHAM
MOSAIC Coordinator - KATLYN POWELL
Community and Culture Concierge - JOEY RIVERA
Community and Culture Concierge - PAUL SEEMAN
Chief Preparator and Building Manager - JUAN ZAVALA CASTRO
Education and Public Programs Manager - BYGOE ZUBIATE
Community and Culture Concierge - DUNCAN
The Blue Star Art Dog
Board of Directors
- Patty Ortiz, Chair
- Ricky Armendaríz, Secretary
- Patrick Attwater
- Mark Barile
- Charlie Biedenharn
- Joe Harjo
- Grant Herbon
- Lauren Kate Holt
- Alissa Howard
- Joy LeFlore, Treasurer
- Michael Mazzei
- Loretta McCrary
- Ian McNab
- Lucas Oliva
- Jay Podjenski
- Catharine Tarver
- Vicki Yuan
- Mike Casey, Emeritus
- Tom C. Frost III, Emeritus
- Mark Watson III, Emeritus
- Chuck Ramirez, In Memoriam
Advisory Council
- Doug Cross
- Lori Dunlap
- Meredith Dean
- Sarah Harte
- Christopher C. Hill
- Angelika Jansen
- Sara Jessop
- Rick Liberto
- James Lifshutz
- Francie Mannix
- Guillermo Nicolás
- Andi Rodriguez
- Kent Rush
- Pat Smothers
- Penelope Speier
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the long community legacy that we are a part of. The Contemporary is located along the San Antonio River that has been at the center of life for communities that long predate us. We stand on the home of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation, and we acknowledge that this is unceded land stripped through dispossession and displacement of indigenous people. We will continue to seek and understand our place within this long tradition of custodial care upon this land and river.
Privacy Policy
Contemporary Art for San Antonio dba Contemporary at Blue Star (“Contemporary”) is committed to protecting the privacy of its visitors, online guests, members, and donors. This Privacy Policy discloses how we collect and use information collected both online and offline, to inform you about the Contemporary’s programs, events, fundraisers, and other nonprofit initiatives. By visiting our website, purchasing tickets online or otherwise providing personal information, you are accepting the practices described in our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the website, purchase tickets online or otherwise provide personal information. If you are a user outside of the United States, you recognize and acknowledge that your personal information will be transferred out of your country and into the United States. You consent to such transfer through your use of the Sites or our Products.
