Wednesday, July 1, 2009

What is a Contemporary Art Museum?

Looking at the purpose of contemporary art museums seems to help further define the word contemporary. These museums seem to imply that their definition of contemporary is the recent past--this past year vs the past 3 decades. This is a description of the Contemporary Art Museum of Houston:
"The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is an idea and a place shaped by the present moment. The Museum exemplifies the dynamic relationship between contemporary art and contemporary society through its exhibitions, public and educational programs, and publications. The CAMH provides the physical and intellectual framework essential to the presentation, interpretation, and advancement of contemporary art; it is a vibrant forum for artists and all audiences, and for critical, scholarly, and public discourse.
The Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis has a similar goal:
"As St. Louis’s forum for interpreting culture through contemporary visual art, we connect our visitors to the dynamic art and ideas of our times. As a gathering place for experiencing contemporary art and culture, we push the boundaries of innovation, creativity and expression."

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