
Contemporary Art
In 2008 Mia launched an initiative to focus on the art of our times. Through its Department of Contemporary Art, the museum brings a fresh dynamism to its galleries by collecting and exhibiting works by living artists produced since 1960. This initiative emphasizes global art historical narratives by connecting the past and present, as well as championing emerging and underrepresented artists.
Contemporary art of the region continues to be represented by the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP), founded in 1975, as well as by selected projects with artists, architects, designers, and other creative thinkers from throughout the Upper Midwest.
Department Staff
Gabriel Ritter
Curator and Head of Contemporary Art
Nicole Soukup
Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art and the Minnesota Artist Exhibition Project Coordinator
Keisha Williams
Curatorial Department Assistant and Artist Liaison
Contact
Email: contemporary@artsmia.org
Phone: 612.870.3035
Browse the Collection
Highlights of the Contemporary Collection
A rotating selection of masterworks, spanning 1960 to present, in a diverse range of media by artists that display the breadth and aspirations of Mia’s growing Contemporary Art collection.
Women in the Contemporary Collection
Historically overlooked and marginalized, women artists are championed by and integral to Mia’s Contemporary Art collection.
Minnesotan Artists
Since its founding, the Minneapolis Institute of Art has supported, exhibited, and collected artists from across the state of Minnesota. A rotating selection of Minnesota-based artists.
Resources
Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP)
The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) is a curatorial program of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, dedicated to exhibiting and supporting artists living and working in Minnesota.

Contemporary Art Department Video Channel
Explore video content from past Contemporary Art exhibitions, programs, and events.
Contemporary Art Programs, Talks, and Presentations
Durades Dialogues
Artists in Residence
MAEP
McKnight Artist Series
Support
Affinity Groups
Mia’s Affinity Groups are a great way for museum members to connect more closely with special areas of art interest, allowing you to delve deeper into the curatorial area of your choice.
Art Champions
The restoration and conservation of artworks in Mia’s collection are ever-present concerns. Art Champions is a program that connects art lovers with artworks that require conservation to be displayed to the public.