The Contemporary Austin’s cover photo
The Contemporary Austin

The Contemporary Austin

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

Austin, Texas 3,241 followers

Discover contemporary art and experience programs in settings that provoke thought and joy.

About us

Our Mission We invite you to discover contemporary art in settings that provoke thought and joy. Our programs join art with place in a pursuit of a deeper experience, a bigger conversation, and a closer community. Our Vision We believe in the capacity of art to transform lives. We dream of a future where more eyes, ears, hearts and minds are opened by contemporary art in all of its forms. Our Values Extending the Welcome – We want every person to feel like they belong here. Our invitation is completely open and inclusive. Always Caring - We know that details matter. We care deeply about the quality of our work and about the experiences of our guests, the artists we collaborate with, our staff, and all those we have yet to meet. Socially Mindful - We believe that contemporary art is a way for people to connect their personal experiences with the broader social and cultural dialogues of our place and time. Staying Curious - We observe closely, listen intently, and inquire sincerely because we have a boundless fascination with people, art and ideas. Making Progress - We always want to be better—to inspire more deeply, to engage more openly, and to serve more joyfully. We are mindful of feedback and committed to ongoing reflection and iteration. Being Here - A place can transform your experience of art, and art can transform your experience of a place. We activate our downtown exhibition space and our lakeside sculpture park in imaginative ways to serve Austin. Trying New Things - We believe in the importance of experimentation, play, and the surprise that often results from trying something new. We know that progress comes through both bravery and vulnerability.

Website
http://thecontemporaryaustin.org/
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Company size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1911
Specialties
Contemporary Art and Education

Locations

Employees at The Contemporary Austin

Updates

  • The Contemporary Austin reposted this

    We’re looking for an experienced Associate Curator to join The Contemporary Austin. Our curatorial team develops ambitious exhibitions, commissions, and projects across our downtown museum and lakeside sculpture park. Recent exhibitions like these speak to the breadth of our program, the close dialogue and collaboration with artists at the heart of our work, and the unique possibilities of our two distinct settings. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape what comes next at The Contemporary! Apply or share: https://lnkd.in/gzsWZg4m Pictured here: "HOST: Laura Lit" (2026-2027); "Sable Elyse Smith: Clockwork" (2026); "Carl Cheng: Nature Never Loses" (2024); "Raven Halfmoon: Flags of Our Mothers" (2025); "Guadalupe Maravilla: Mariposa Relámpago" (2024); "HOST: Raul De Lara" (2025-2026); "Jiab Prachakul: Sweet Solitude" (2025). Photographs by Alex Boeschenstein. 

    • Installation view, HOST: Laura Lit, The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, Texas, 2026. Commissioned by The Contemporary Austin. Artwork © Laura Lit. Courtesy the artist. Image courtesy The Contemporary Austin. Photograph by Alex Boeschenstein.
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  • We’re looking for an experienced Associate Curator to join The Contemporary Austin. Our curatorial team develops ambitious exhibitions, commissions, and projects across our downtown museum and lakeside sculpture park. Recent exhibitions like these speak to the breadth of our program, the close dialogue and collaboration with artists at the heart of our work, and the unique possibilities of our two distinct settings. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape what comes next at The Contemporary! Apply or share: https://lnkd.in/gzsWZg4m Pictured here: "HOST: Laura Lit" (2026-2027); "Sable Elyse Smith: Clockwork" (2026); "Carl Cheng: Nature Never Loses" (2024); "Raven Halfmoon: Flags of Our Mothers" (2025); "Guadalupe Maravilla: Mariposa Relámpago" (2024); "HOST: Raul De Lara" (2025-2026); "Jiab Prachakul: Sweet Solitude" (2025). Photographs by Alex Boeschenstein. 

    • Installation view, HOST: Laura Lit, The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, Texas, 2026. Commissioned by The Contemporary Austin. Artwork © Laura Lit. Courtesy the artist. Image courtesy The Contemporary Austin. Photograph by Alex Boeschenstein.
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  • A fall season invitation from sharon maidenberg, The Contemporary Austin’s Ernest and Sarah Butler Executive Director and CEO 💕   We hope to see you at The Contemporary, soon and often!   ✨ Member Preview & Public Opening / Sept 18 (Fri) “The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry” “HOST: Laura Lit”   🤖 The Very ‘Rary / Oct 18 (Sun) All-ages afternoon of art & amazement   🌙 Art Dinner Afterparty / Nov 7 (Sat) Late night festivities benefiting The Contemporary

  • ✨ Make it a museum weekend! Get a first look at new fall exhibitions at the Jones Center — "The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry" and "HOST: Laura Lit" with events kicking off this Sept 18 (Fri)!   ⤷ Member Preview & Public Opening with an all-vinyl DJ set by Ephraim Asili Jones Center Sept 18 (Fri) 6:30–8P (Members) / 8–9:30P (Public) Free   ⤷ An Afternoon with Naima Nefertari: Piano Duet & Conversation featuring Ana Ruíz, Ephraim Asili, and Dr. Charles Carson Jones Center Sept 19 (Sat) 2–4P $10 | Free for Members   ⤷ Austin Museum Day Jones Center & Laguna Gloria Sept 20 (Sun) Free all day!   Advanced reservations recommended!

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  • Interested in joining The Contemporary Austin? We're hiring a Graphic Designer & Digital Asset Manager and a Visitor Engagement & Experience Manager. These roles offer the opportunity to help shape how audiences experience and engage with contemporary art across our organization. Explore the positions and apply at https://lnkd.in/gHZ4vGDZ.

  • We’re excited to share an opportunity to join The Contemporary Austin as our next Director of Finance. This role is central to advancing our mission by ensuring strong, thoughtful financial stewardship and sustainable growth, enabling The Contemporary Austin to continue to deliver ambitious programming and deepen its impact in the community. If you’re a strategic leader driven to create meaningful impact, we’d love to connect. https://bit.ly/3NSavaK

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