The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara in California is the premier non-collecting contemporary arts museum.
Featuring a roster of world-class artists, MCASB curates 8-10 exhibits per year and hosts more than 30 events. Admission to the museum is always free.
History
The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara was established in 1976 as an alternative arts space by the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. The initial founders felt it was important to dedicate a space for the sole purpose of displaying contemporary art on a local and multi-national scale.
The MCASB was first located in the historic Balboa Building before finding its permanent home in the 3,500-square foot Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center location in 1990. A satellite location was opened in 2010 at the Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara which enabled the museum to offer exhibitions and programming to a wider audience and furthered partnerships with local organizations.
The Contemporary Arts Forum was renamed Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara in 2012 with a mission focused on education and the arts and is currently the most significant contemporary arts institution throughout the Santa Barbara region. In 2016 MCASB earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and operates as a non-collection not-for-profit museum.
The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours and closed on major holidays. Admission to MCASB and the satellite location, is always free.
Exhibitions
The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara does not collect any works and curate’s exhibitions by worldwide artists that are temporary. Details on specific exhibitions and length of the exhibits can be found on the MCASB website. Some artists that have been featured in the past include local artists Jane Callister, Ann Diener, Keith Puccinelle, and Richard Ross. The museum has presented exhibitions by Kate Ericson and Mel Ziegler, David Ireland, Vito Acconci, Jon Winet, Haha, Linda Hudson, Buster Simpson, Piero Golia, Evan Holloway, and many other internationally known contemporary artists. The museum also hosts Avant Garde performance art, dance, and video presentations in conjunction with other community organizations.
Bloom Projects- The Charles Bloom Foundation Gallery presents a series of art featuring newly commissioned art works by previously unknown artists. This program gives artists that are just beginning their career a platform to garner attention and provides them with resources to further their careers.
MCASB Satellite-This extension of the main museum is located in a boutique art hotel, Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara, and features exhibitions that are presented for an entire year. Educational programming including lectures, workshops, performances, and film screenings are also presented, free of charge, at the Satellite location.
Educational Programming
The MCASB Engagement Department is dedicated to providing visitors to the museum, and those in the community who cannot visit the museum, a unique experience in the contemporary arts through educational programming and outreach. Programs are offered for adults, children, families, and groups.
Artist Talks- Exhibiting contemporary artists host conversations about their art at MCASB for the community.
smART Talks- This lecture series seeks to increase community awareness of contemporary art and features local artists.
Curated Cocktails- A downtown Santa Barbara First Thursdays event at the Paseo Nuevo Upper Arts Terrace that features unique and innovative works, adult beverages, live music and interaction with art.
Third Thursday Studio- visitors can explore techniques and themes of contemporary art through creation with a featured guest artist. Materials are provided and advance registration is suggested.
Visiting Artist Series- This workshop takes place at the museum and offsite. Teaching artists engage participants in creating and experimenting with contemporary art.
Teen Arts Council- TAC is a hands-on program that aims ot make contemporary art more accessible to teens and young adults in the Santa Barbara area. Members of the organization work with curators to plan, promote and host events at the museum.
Art Lab- creative play in encouraged for all ages in the Art Lab where visitors are immersed in themes of contemporary art.
Art Voyager Camp- This summer camp is a collaboration between MCASB and other community organization to provide artistic opportunities for children.
Sunday Story Time- This program welcomes children on Sunday afternoons to read and listen to stories related to themes of current exhibitions at MCASB. If current exhibitions are not family friendly, the program is paused.
ArtKlatsch- These professional development workshops are designed for art educators who wish to learn more about contemporary art and provides a networking opportunity for local professionals.
Tours- Self guided tours are encouraged at MCASB with guides available for visitors. The museum is also a frequent location for school and community groups who wish to learn about contemporary art and local, as well as international, artists in a variety of mediums.
653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, California, 93101, Phone: 805-966-5373, website, Map
Back to: Things to Do in Santa Barbara, CA
