Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson facts for kids

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tucson, Arizona.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a cool art museum located in Tucson, Arizona. It was started in 1997 by three friends: Julia Latané, James Graham, and David Wright. They wanted to create a special place in Tucson to show off contemporary art, which is art made by artists living today.

When it first opened, the museum was in a building on Toole Avenue. But in 2010, it moved to a much bigger and more interesting location: an old fire station on Church Avenue!

The Museum's Story

From a Warehouse to a Museum

Before moving to the fire station, MOCA was located in this warehouse on Toole Avenue.

The idea for MOCA started in 1992 with a group of artists called the Toole Shed Studios. By 1997, they decided to create a real museum. They officially became a non-profit organization, which means their goal is to serve the community, not just to make money.

In 1998, they found an empty warehouse at 191 East Toole Avenue. A team of volunteers worked hard for four months to turn the old building into a museum with a large space for showing art.

Over the years, different people helped lead the museum. In 2017, Ginger Shulick Porcella became the Executive Director and Chief Curator, helping to guide the museum's vision.

A New Home in a Fire Station

The entrance to MOCA at its current location in a former fire station.

In 2009, an old fire station in Tucson closed down. The city wanted to find a new use for the building. The team at MOCA saw a perfect opportunity to get a permanent home and save a historic building.

They transformed the fire station into an amazing art space.

• The large hall where fire trucks used to park became the museum's main gallery.
• Smaller offices were turned into galleries for more personal artworks.
• The firefighters' living quarters became apartments for visiting artists.
• Upstairs offices were made into the museum's main offices and a classroom.

Since moving into the fire station, MOCA has hosted many art shows each year. These exhibits feature art from local artists as well as artists from around the country and the world.

What You Can See and Do

Art Exhibits

MOCA is always buzzing with new and exciting art. The museum presents between eight and twelve exhibitions every year. These shows feature a wide variety of contemporary art, from paintings and sculptures to videos and large installations.

The museum has shown work by hundreds of artists over the years. Some exhibits focus on artists from Tucson, while others bring in famous artists from other places. Each visit to MOCA can be a totally new experience because the art is always changing.

Fun Events and Programs

MOCA is more than just a place to look at art. It's a community hub that hosts many public events. You can attend talks by artists, watch dance and music performances, or join in on other art celebrations.

The museum also has an Artist-in-Residence Program. This program invites artists to live and work at the museum for a short time. They get their own studio and a place to stay, and they share their work with the community through talks or special exhibits.

The Local Genius Awards

Twice a year, MOCA holds big events to raise money to support the museum. One of the most special events is the Gala, which happens every two years. At the Gala, the museum gives out the Local Genius Awards.

These awards celebrate amazing people from Tucson who are creative and have made a big impact. Winners have included scientists, writers, artists, and community leaders. For example, members of the band Calexico and the famous doctor Andrew Weil have received the award.

Visiting Artist Programs

Artist-in-Residence

MOCA's Artist-in-Residence program is very popular. Hundreds of artists apply each year for only a few spots. The chosen artists get to live at the museum for a few weeks or months. They are given a private studio to create their art and a stipend to help with costs. It's a great chance for artists to focus on their work and share their ideas with the people of Tucson.

Curator-in-Residence

The museum also has a program for curators. A curator is someone who organizes art exhibitions. The Curator-in-Residence program invites a museum professional to stay at MOCA for three months. During their stay, they can research and plan a new art show, working with the artists who are also in residence.