Mission Statement

The Contemporary Art Galleries’ (CAG) mission is to present a dynamic series of exhibitions and programs that advance creative innovation, experimentation, and scholarship within the visual arts at the University of Connecticut. Essential to the educational experience provided by the Department of Art and Art History, the gallery draws upon the University’s multi-disciplinary resources and encourages rigorous academic inquiry, community engagement, and reflection on the social, political, and cultural issues of our time.

CAG’s reach is broad as it contributes to the ongoing and international discourse around ideas and experiences relevant to contemporary visual arts and culture. Exhibitions focus on today’s most vital artists, positioning them within historical and contemporary frameworks that critically respond to the canon. When making programmatic decisions, CAG seeks to promote diversity and equity through building a community and culture that is inclusive of all groups and individuals.

CAG is also committed to bringing internationally respected artists to campus for the creation of new artworks and collaborative projects that utilize the vast physical and intellectual resources residing on our Research I university campus. As a non-collecting institution, CAG supports the creation of this work with the intention of further disseminating it through a range of creative and scholarly platforms. Graduate and undergraduate students also benefit from intimate observation and engagement with the creative practices of these artists.
CAG is committed to the principles of artistic and intellectual freedom. All programming is free and open to the public

About Our Exhibitions

CAG is committed to acting as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration between artists and university resources. Our vision is international, intergenerational and multicultural. To these ends, CAG connects the most vital artists of our time to the wide-range of scholarship and facilities that exist at a Tier-One research institution, fostering an environment for creative innovation, experimentation and scholarship. Thus, CAG aspires to be recognized not only for whom and what we exhibit, but also as, importantly, the timeliness of our curatorial decisions.

Some of the artists showcased within our gallery’s walls include:
Marina Abramovic, Vito Acconci, Janine Antoni, Hernan Bas, Chuck Close, Mel Chin, Gregory Crewdson, Jules De Balincourt, Thomas Eggerer, Kota Ezawa, Hans Haacke, Lyle Ashton Harris, Candida Hofer, Carsten Holler, Alfrado Jaar, Alex Katz, On Kawara, Sol Le Witt, Nikki S. Lee, William Kentridge, Robert Longo, Loretto Lux, Robert Mapplethorpe, Josephine Meckseper, Malcolm Morley, Vik Muniz, Shirin Neshat, Julian Opie. Lina Persson, Kiki Smith, Duke Riley, Thomas Ruff, Neo Roush. Cordy Ryman, Carolee Schneemann, Arlene Shechet, Yinka Shonibare, Sally Smart, , Ryan Trecartin, Fred Tomaselli, Nari Ward (one person), Andy Warhol, Sue Williams, Gillian Wearing

Diversity Statement

CAG is committed to standing against racism and devoted to elevating the voices of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ while actively rejecting the white supremacy embedded within art institutions. We believe that Black trans lives matter, that whiteness is not neutral, and that tough conversations are not enough. If Contemporary Art Galleries engages in practices that minimize these convictions, participates in white-centering, or other problematic practices, we invite you to hold us accountable.

Artist Residencies

Alfredo Jaar
Lena Pearson
Louise Menzies
Marina Abromavic
Nari Ward
Sally Smart