The upcoming Counterpublic Triennial in St. Louis, Missouri, has unveiled its theme and key venues for the 2026 edition, scheduled to take place from September 12 to December 12.
Curated by a team of five--Jordan Carter, Raphael Fonseca, Stefanie Hessler, Nora N. Khan, and Wanda Nanibush--the exhibition will be titled "Coyote Time." A total of 50 artists have been commissioned to create new works for this event, with the complete list of participants set to be revealed soon.
The term "Coyote Time" references a moment in video games where a character, after jumping off a cliff, hangs in the air, uncertain of what lies ahead. This idea draws inspiration from the iconic sequences of Wile E. Coyote in Looney Tunes. This concept of anticipation will guide the exhibition, encouraging a space for experimentation and potential.
The third edition of Counterpublic will address significant contemporary issues, including climate change, education, and immigration. The curatorial team engaged with over 1,400 individuals and gathered more than 700 pieces of community feedback to shape this iteration.
In their statement, the curators expressed, "Counterpublic invites us to take a leap, to reimagine what public art can achieve, and to construct while in motion. Our goal is to help build both material and cultural infrastructures for enduring change, fostering critical dialogues and supporting ambitious artists."
Counterpublic will showcase works at various significant sites throughout St. Louis, particularly focusing on the Ville, a historically Black neighborhood known for its rich cultural history. Artists will present their works in diverse settings, including a high school, community center, public park, and church grounds.
The exhibition will also feature installations along the Mississippi Riverfront near the iconic Gateway Arch, incorporating both permanent and temporary artworks. Additionally, renowned art venues like the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, the Kemper Art Museum, and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis will participate in this exciting event.
Counterpublic has formed two significant partnerships for this edition. The first is with the National Building Arts Center, which will host climate-focused projects. The second partnership is with the International Institute of St. Louis, which will collaborate with various artists to reimagine its campus and introduce a full-time fellowship.
James McAnally, the executive and artistic director of Counterpublic, stated, "Coyote Time encapsulates the current sense of apprehension while striving to envision a collective future filled with both courage and optimism. Each key site for Counterpublic 2026 has faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters and governmental pressures. The artworks from these fifty remarkable artists engage with today's urgent issues and propose innovative perspectives."