Delaware Contemporary provides new opportunities to engage in the arts, play

As we emerge from the rubble of COVID together, The Delaware Contemporary has worked to unite with community organizations and regional institutions to provide new opportunities for engagement with the arts.

The power of art to facilitate civic dialogue, connect communities and improve quality of life is embedded in our mission. As the impacts of COVID linger, forging relationships and sharing resources is essential for a positive, collective future.

Over the past year, The Delaware Contemporary has launched a new partnership with City Theater Company. Through the upgrade of our Wings Auditorium to a black box theater space with new lighting and sound equipment, the art experience has been put into action for our guests. City Theater Co. presented its main production, fearless improv performances, a provocative spring show and an annual comedy festival in their new home.

Our black box space is open to all performance groups to unite with the visual arts experience at Delaware Contemporary.

In collaboration with the Delaware Children’s Museum, Summer 2022 features a series of exhibits on the theme of “PLAY”. Through the selection of works, programs and events, we present the overall effects of the game, particularly how it relates to the local Wilmington area.

What are the barriers to play? How can we creatively promote the fundamentals of the game? In what ways can the game extend beyond the walls of the museum?

Play is essential for the cognitive growth and development of children. an essential element in advancing problem-solving processes. Although play evolves as we age, elements of curiosity and wonder fuel the fundamental principles of play, which are at the heart of artistic creation and the artistic process. Stop and TO PLAY before the end of this season on August 21.

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‘PLAY’ presented a full day conference, ‘PLAYDATE’, which examined the topic of ‘play’ from many angles: parent, educator, participant, social worker. A panel of renowned experts facilitated discussions and workshops ranging from social infrastructure that supports play to cognitive growth and trauma mitigation

. Additionally, we commissioned a permanent mural at the Delaware Children’s Museum by artist Jarret (Posi) Harris titled “The World Needs You @ DCM”.‘ We hope that those who visit DCM will be inspired by this affirmative mural and see themselves as important people within the community.

We are thrilled to announce our Fall/Winter 2022 season, “Through A Glass, Darkly”, curated by Kristin Deady, Jenna Lucente and Alexander Rosenberg.

In conjunction with Salem Community College, The Delaware Contemporary has engaged these experts in the field of glass and contemporary art to serve as guest curators. This suite of exhibitions opens September 9 and features new and recent works by artists working with glass and glass-related materials and processes.

Selected works will engage the historic power of glass while inviting viewers to recognize an inherent interconnection between enhancement and distortion. Historically, glass has augmented human perception, allowing us to see parts of the world that would otherwise be elusive to our limited natural senses. The nature of the material is double-sided; it both enhances and distorts vision. Glass is an instrument of enlightenment, and at the same time, it is an engine of misinformation.

An exciting culmination of the “Through a Glass, Darkly” Lineup is the Corning Museum of Glass Mobile Hotshop heading to the Delaware Contemporary November 2-6. The Mobile Hotshop takes the live glassware experience on the road, bringing the art and education of glassware to the public. It uses unique glassmaking equipment to recreate a state-of-the-art studio environment and showcases intricate hot glassmaking techniques in locations around the world.

The Delaware Contemporary is thrilled to be one of them. This unique glass experience includes live demonstrations, audience participation and celebrity appearances! Visit our website for more information on workshops and events with the Mobile Hotshop – details coming soon!

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We look forward to forging new relationships as we continue to produce programs that foster discussion between living artists and audiences, provide opportunities for creative professionals of all kinds, and promote the economic growth of our city. It is through these valuable relationships and connections with museum patrons that our community is able to thrive and share the power of art. ANYONE interested in collaborating or being involved with The Delaware Contemporary is welcome to contact us! We would love to work with you to expand our offerings and events.

To learn more about our exhibitions and programs, visit: decontemporary.org.

We hope to see you soon!

Tatiana Michels is Director of Business Advancement for Delaware Contemporary.