UMass art museum celebrates 40 yearsDate: 12/12/2014 AMHERST – In 2015, the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s (UMass) University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA) will enter its 40th year, dedicated to advancing contemporary art through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and training programs for the next generation
of artists and museum professionals.
In 1975 the University Museum of Contemporary Art – formerly the University Gallery – was created as a unique organization at UMass, centered on the fundamental vision of bringing the most important contemporary international art to our community.
During these past 40 years, renowned and emerging artists have come to the UMCA to participate in the exhibition and education programs from countries such as the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Poland, Russia, Mexico, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Lebanon, Korea, and from across the U.S. the UMCA’s exhibitions have provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and perspectives that reflect the world we live in – with the belief that contemporary art can impact audiences and that everyone gains by bringing people together around the critical work of artists.
As the UMCA looks forward to celebrating its anniversary year, it is with great excitement and anticipation that the school announces 40 Years/40 Artists, opening on Jan. 21, 2015 and continuing through March 8, 2015.
The exhibition will feature the work of artists whose exhibitions at our museum – at crucial moments in their careers – had the effect of opening up dialogue about ideas relevant to contemporary art and society.
Artists included in 40 Years/40 Artists are Andy Warhol, Daniel Buren, Joel Shapiro, William Wegman, Dawoud Bey, Miroslaw Balka, Tom Friedman, David Goldblatt, Joel Sternfeld, Jenny Holzer, Kimsooja, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Carrie Mae Weems, as well as architects Billie Tsien/Tod Williams, among many other renowned local, national, and international artists.
In recognition of the 40th anniversary, artists have generously donated their work to the UMCA’s permanent collection in order to continue the mission of the museum to inspire future generations of students and researchers.
UMCA will continue to celebrate 2015, its landmark year, with new exciting exhibitions, departures, and educational programs – all free of charge.
Check the UMCA website, www.umass.edu/umca, for updates.
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