The Counterpublic Triennial in St. Louis, Missouri, has revealed the overarching theme and key locations for its highly anticipated 2026 exhibition. Titled "Coyote Time," this iteration promises a comprehensive exploration of contemporary art and societal issues, engaging both local communities and the global art world. The curatorial team has meticulously planned an event that seeks to foster critical dialogue and support groundbreaking artistic endeavors, aiming to leave a lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape and beyond.
Counterpublic 2026 to Feature "Coyote Time" Theme and Diverse Venues Across St. Louis
In St. Louis, Missouri, on February 10, 2026, the Counterpublic Triennial officially announced the theme for its upcoming exhibition: "Coyote Time." This significant event, scheduled to run from September 12 to December 12, 2026, will transform various sites across the Gateway City into vibrant artistic spaces. The chosen theme, inspired by the brief suspension a video game character experiences after leaping off a cliff, symbolizes a moment of intense anticipation and potential, reflecting the curatorial team's vision for an exhibition that embraces uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation.
A distinguished curatorial team, comprising Jordan Carter, Raphael Fonseca, Stefanie Hessler, Nora N. Khan, and Wanda Nanibush, has been at the helm of this ambitious project. They have commissioned 50 artists to create new works specifically for the triennial, with the full roster of participating artists to be revealed at a later date. This extensive commissioning process underscores a commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and pushing the boundaries of public art.
The 2026 Counterpublic will delve into pressing global concerns such as climate change, educational disparities, and immigration, aiming to spark meaningful conversations through artistic expression. The curatorial team engaged extensively with the community, gathering insights from over 1,400 individuals and collecting more than 700 pieces of feedback to ensure the exhibition resonates deeply with local experiences and perspectives.
One of the central focuses of the triennial will be the historically rich Ville neighborhood in St. Louis, renowned as the former home of icons like Tina Turner and Arthur Ashe. Here, artists will present their creations within a high school, a community center, a public park, and church grounds, integrating art directly into the fabric of daily life. The Mississippi Riverfront, in the shadow of the majestic Gateway Arch, will also host a dynamic mix of permanent installations and temporary artworks, further activating the city's iconic landmarks.
In addition to these community-centric locations, the Counterpublic Triennial will collaborate with prominent arts institutions in St. Louis, including the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, the Kemper Art Museum, and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, as well as the Kranzberg Arts Foundation and the Luminary. These partnerships will provide established platforms for the exhibition's diverse programming.
Further expanding its reach, Counterpublic has forged two notable partnerships. The first is with the National Building Arts Center, located in a former steel foundry that houses the nation's largest collection of built-environment artifacts. This unique venue will host climate-focused projects, aligning with the triennial's commitment to environmental discourse. The second partnership involves the International Institute of St. Louis, a century-old organization dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees. The Institute's campus will be reimagined by various artists, and a full-time fellowship will be introduced, highlighting the triennial's engagement with humanitarian efforts and community support.
James McAnally, the executive and artistic director of Counterpublic, articulated the exhibition's ethos, stating, "'Coyote Time' encapsulates the present moment of uncertainty while striving to envision a collective future with both courage and optimism. Each primary site for Counterpublic 2026 has navigated numerous challenges, including fires, severe weather, and governmental pressures. The works by these fifty extraordinary artists engage with the urgent demands of our time and propose innovative perspectives." This statement underscores the triennial's role as a platform for resilience, critical inquiry, and hopeful envisioning.
The Counterpublic Triennial's approach to integrating art with social issues and community engagement offers a compelling model for cultural events. By embracing the "Coyote Time" concept, it encourages viewers to find creativity and possibility within moments of instability. This commitment to site-specific interventions, community dialogue, and addressing global challenges through artistic expression demonstrates the powerful role art can play in shaping our collective future.