Who We Are
Counterpublic is a community arts organization rooted in St. Louis, using art as a powerful tool for generational social change. We are deeply embedded in our local community while collaborating with partners from across the country and around the world. Our work responds to the unique social, political, economic, and racial dynamics of St. Louis, connecting them to broader global issues.
What is a Triennial?
Every three years, Counterpublic hosts a major civic exhibition called a “Triennial,” which runs for three months. In the art world, Triennials and Biennials are large-scale exhibitions that invite artists, curators, museums, and partners to create art around a central theme. These events provide an opportunity to showcase innovative works that engage with the world around us.
How do you determine what type of art to create?
Our process begins with deep community engagement. We partner with the organizations, individuals, and groups that are actively working towards lasting change. Through conversations and collaborations, we gather stories that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. These stories are distilled into themes that guide our curatorial process. We then invite curators, recommended by both local and global artists, who are aligned with these themes. Alongside this, we identify locations that resonate with the energy of the city. The assembled curatorial team re-engages the community, and together, we invite artists to respond to these themes with their work. Importantly, the Triennial isn’t the conclusion of this discussion; it’s a pivotal moment in an ongoing conversation. After each exhibition, we continue our partnerships and community engagement, setting the stage for the next three years of collaboration and growth.
What has the Counterpublic Triennial looked like?
The 2023 Counterpublic Triennial featured 37 new artist projects across 40 sites along Jefferson Avenue. These artworks centered around Jefferson Avenue, spanning from Sugarloaf Mound, the last intact Indigenous mound in the city, to The Griot...The goal of the exhibition was to engage St. Louis's complex histories, charged present and imagined futures.
What type of artwork is part of the Triennial?
The art featured in the Triennial spans a range of mediums and formats, including permanent and temporary works, pop-up events, collaborations with community partners, movement-building efforts, capacity-building initiatives, and fellowships. Each piece and project is designed to engage with the community and its stories in meaningful, lasting ways.
Permanent Works
