Our Mission:

The Delaware Contemporary is an art space that infuses contemporary art and creativity into our community through compelling exhibitions, dynamic educational experiences, and access to the artistic process. 

Founded in 1979 by artists, The Delaware Contemporary presents exhibitions of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists that explore topical issues in contemporary art and society. In addition, we provide opportunities for local and emerging artists to showcase their work and advance their artistic growth. Art sales through our galleries and Museum Shop support area and exhibiting artists and our commitment to the importance of contemporary art in our community.

Our Values:

WELCOMING: We welcome and embrace all who seek to experience art.

COMMUNITY-ORIENTED: We make every effort to weave our organization and art into the fabric of the community.

LOCAL AND BEYOND: We support and promote local art, artists, and partners, and we work with regional, national, and international artists, curators, and organizations to make an impact in our community.

CATALYTIC: We take risks and push boundaries to inspire new ways of looking at the world, to offer artistically stimulating experiences, and to engage more people in the transformative power of art.

Our Vision:

Where art and community happen.

History:

Founded in 1979 by a small volunteer group of artists and arts patrons, The Delaware Contemporary made its focus the promotion of growth and understanding of the contemporary arts in Delaware. It started in a former sheet-metal fabricating factory and moved several times, finally finding a permanent home in 2000. This location offered a 33,000-square-foot building and, once remodeled, opened with seven galleries, 26 on-site artist studios, an auditorium, a museum shop, a classroom, and administrative office space. By this time a staff was in place and both community outreach and curatorial programming expanded exponentially.

The community responded favorably to The Delaware Contemporary’s new location and programming efforts. The Philadelphia Inquirer described the museum as "one of the most innovative and prominent organizations of its kind on the East Coast," and hailed its new building as "a state-of-the-art facility that will allow it to present a broader spectrum of the art experience."
 
The Delaware Contemporary, a non-collecting museum, currently presents over 24 exhibitions annually of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum commits to educational and community outreach through various programs, such as Artist Residencies with underserved community groups and Contemporary Connections, a model program that fuses art with schools’ core curriculums, offering fresh new ways to teach subjects such as math and science. The Delaware Contemporary has partnered in some way with more than 60 community groups and schools.

READ A THIRTY YEAR HISTORY, Essay by Laura A. Scanlan, Copyright © 2009