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 is an incubator for contemporary art, hosting more than 12 exhibitions annually within its 4 onsite galleries and multiple offsite locations within the community. Contemporary’s 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.
Contemporary at Blue Star
Sizhu Li: Moonment: Finding A Way, on view Feb 7–May 4, 2025, at Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Bria Woods. Courtesy of Contemporary at Blue Star.
In the Shadows, Our Ghosts Lurk (En Las Sombras, Nuestros Fantasmas Acechan), on view June 6–October 5, 2025, at Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Jorge Villarreal. Courtesy of Contemporary at Blue Star.
In the Shadows, Our Ghosts Lurk (En Las Sombras, Nuestros Fantasmas Acechan), on view June 6–October 5, 2025, at Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Jorge Villarreal. Courtesy of Contemporary at Blue Star.
Fabiola Menchelli: ombré, on view July 11–October 5, 2026, at Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Elena Peña. Courtesy of Contemporary at Blue Star.
Nadia Botello: Theophany, on view July 11–October 5, 2026, at Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Elena Peña. Courtesy of Contemporary at Blue Star.
See Also
“Our grantees range from small arts organizations with one staff member to major museums, yet they all provide essential resources for artists as well as innovative platforms for critical cultural dialogue. Creative risk-taking is at the heart of this country’s most meaningful social, political, and cultural developments, therefore we are proud to stand behind artist-centered organizations that support experimental practice.”
Joel Wachs, President