MOCA Tucson inspires new ways of thinking through the cultivation, exhibition and interpretation of contemporary art.
Established by artists, MOCA is Tucson’s only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art from Tucson and around the globe. MOCA is committed to thinking globally, acting locally, and engaging with the ethics and aesthetics of contemporary life. Through varied programs, MOCA is Tucson’s primary educational resource for contemporary art and maintains a full exhibition, education, and artist-in-residence program.
MOCA is generously supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Cox Communications, and its members and patrons.
If you would like to become a sponsor of MOCA Tucson, please reach out at ginger@moca-tucson.org.
If you would like to submit a proposal to MOCA Tucson, please reach out at proposals@moca-tucson.org.
History
Established by artists in 1997, MOCA is Tucson’s only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art from around the globe. MOCA is committed to thinking globally, acting locally, and engaging with the aesthetics of contemporary life. Through varied programs, MOCA is Tucson’s primary educational resource for contemporary art and maintains a full exhibition, education, and artist-in-residence program. Housed in a repurposed firehouse in Downtown Tucson, MOCA Tucson applies creative solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow through the vehicle of contemporary art. We create programming that is ambitious, innovative, and that is responsive to the wants and needs of our community. A pioneering museum of its kind in the community, MOCA Tucson currently hosts rotating exhibitions by locally, nationally, and internationally renowned contemporary artists—critical exhibitions that spur dialogue and that foster empathy between artists and audiences. Our bold programming is highly engaging for diverse audiences and creates a welcoming, inviting space for visitors to learn more about the changing world we live in. Now in its 20th year, MOCA Tucson is an important incubator and connector for contemporary art across the Southwest region and beyond.
Board of Directors
Kira Dixon Weinstein, President
Danny Vinik, Vice President
James Tharp, Secretary
Sherman Bodner, Treasurer
John Burcher
Karen Christensen
Samuel Ireland
Courtney Johnson
Taber K. MacCallum
Martha Macks-Kahn
Justin Martinez
Luis Soto
Joanne Stuhr
Ambassador Council
Carolyn Bass
Jessica Baylon
Annamaria Biagini
Kim Bourn
Tony Canchola
Elizabeth Cherry
Susan Dubow
Sara Hubbs
John Hudak
Rick Joy
Angela Kapp
Violet Kasser
Terri Kessler
Lisa Lovallo
Debi Chess Mabie
Karen Masbruch
Olivier Mosset
Mary Okoye
Yun Gee Park and Scott Duerstock
Denise Newton
Jane Poynter
Anne Ranek
Hope Reed
Stacey Richter
Evie Stefenson-Marquart
David Taylor
Harold Thomas
Keren Winkelman
Lesli Wood
Amy Zuckerman
Volunteers and Interns
Interns
Libby Bacal
Molly Cline
Ella Dunkel
Sara Luu
Moses Lucky Ogiemwanye
Harrison Orr
Morah Riedl
Bella Maria Varela
Melissa Williams
Volunteers
Jeanne de la Garza
Kayah Byrd
Annika Hanson
Faith Mendoza
Yasmine Kot
Marcia Fischer
Grace Liatti
Daryl Young
Tommy Rossi
Danielle Sanchez
Danielle Hansen
Interested in volunteering at MOCA Tucson? Contact us at info@moca-tucson.org for more information.No person shall be denied employment, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any program or activity, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
STAFF
Ginger Shulick Porcella
Executive Director and Chief Curator
What do you do at MOCA?
I believe my most important job is to lead and inspire the staff, as well as the general Tucson community. On a typical day I am fundraising, solving HR and admin issues, creating and revising budgets, developing and executing programs, writing exhibition text, doing studio visits, and advocating on behalf of the arts.
Why work at MOCA?
I was inspired by the dedication of the board and staff at MOCA, and I see the unlimited potential for this organization to be a catalyst for change in the community, educating people on the importance of contemporary art to transform our daily lives.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I’m a creepy dog person, so I spend a lot of time with my fur babies Maya Papaya and Radio McGriddles. I also enjoy horror films, crossword puzzles, experimental film and music, reading and thinking about dystopic futures, going to museums and galleries, taking road trips, telling jokes, and discussing conspiracy theories.
phone:520.624.5019 ext. 102
Ryan Hill
Deputy Director
What do you do at MOCA?
I support any of the Executive Director’s new initiatives, facilitate staff communication, and connect with potential community and national partners. In one day I might write a grant, schedule AIR artists for a studio visit, reach out regarding traveling exhibitions, and meet with staff to problem-solve an event. I’m the director’s right-hand, making sure she has enough time away from administrative duties to develop a creative vision and curate future exhibitions.
Why work at MOCA?
I’ve always been able to sniff out the serious fun in town. Since MOCA isn’t tied to a permanent collection and treats programming equal to exhibitions, it is poised to be a national incubator for creative experimentation and contemporary art. New ideas are essential to the cultural health of any city and by being part of MOCA I’m contributing to meaningful change in Tucson.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I also teach studio art at the community college, am part of a local group of artists, and make my own artwork. My drawing installations would be considered post-internet art since most of my inspiration and source material is found online. Other than that, if my husband and I aren’t on a rollercoaster, second-hand creeptiquing or watching a band, we’re eating.
Eli Burke
Education Director
What do you do at MOCA?
My official title is the Education Director. I get to create curriculum, coordinate youth programming, seek funds through grant research and grant writing and best of all, provide FREE access and education to youth all over Pima County.
Why work at MOCA?
MOCA is so important for a community like Tucson. I am grateful that there is a forum for engaging with contemporary art in our city. Contemporary art is a global conversation and I feel that all communities should have the opportunity to participate in that conversation. MOCA is unique in that creates this opportunity. It is simply a privilege to be a part of that process, not just as someone who values contemporary art but as an artist myself. Also, everyone that works here is awesome!
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I am currently working on my PhD, but you can also find me chasing my children around, making things, thinking, looking at the sky, going on road trips, or sleeping.
phone: 520.624.5019 ext. 103
Wylwyn Reyes
Exhibitions Manager
What do you do at MOCA?
I handle logistics for all things exhibitions. I work with the curator and the artists to materialize each exhibition. There’s never a dull moment because we have to constantly think outside of the box.
Why work at MOCA?
It’s my chosen family. I love you mom, but we could never work together. The team I work with is incredible, we should have our own reality show. We all wear many hats and we wear them well. MOCA is also great because it reflects Tucson’s nuance. A little weird, a bit edgy, but a lot of fun. MOCA embraces uniqueness and celebrates the quirkiness and grittiness that Tucson is known for.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
My passions are art and design. And bad dry humor to a lesser extent. I’m a visual artist and designer. When I clock out for the day working with artists at MOCA, I work with artists some more. It’s a sickness, a beautiful sickness. My dream is for Tucson to be an art destination.
phone: 520.624.5019 ext. 105
Wesley Fawcett Creigh
Facilities and Production Manager
What do you do at MOCA?
I help to keep our unique and fabulous building running and looking top-notch. I can often be found swinging a wrench, hammer, paintbrush, etc. on any one of our 3 floors. I write a lot of emails too.
Why work at MOCA?
There’s a new challenge every day which I appreciate because it keeps things fresh and different. We have a great team that I enjoy working with daily and I love catering to the diverse needs of the all the incredible artists we get to feature here.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
When I’m not at MOCA I am at my home studio making my own work. I also love eating raw seafood (clams especially) on trips to Kino Bay.
phone: 520.624.5019 ext. 105
Megan Franz
MOCAshop Manager and Head of Visitor Services
What do you do at MOCA?
A lot! As Head of Visitor Services I’m in charge of all the volunteers and the museum internship program, which can be challenging but also fun. I manage the day-to-day operations of the exhibitions, and make sure that visitors have an enjoyable experience. I also run the gift shop, which allows me to express my creative voice at the museum through the cultivation and curation of the items. The majority of our products come from local artists and makers, and it’s great being able to showcase their work here at MOCA.
Why work at MOCA?
I actually interned at MOCA in 2015, and ever since then I’ve loved everything about it. Even though the space is small, MOCA is always doing big things and it’s exciting and rewarding to be a part of it all. But, it’s the staff that really makes MOCA a great place to work. We are a totally weird, awesome art family.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I love being outdoors and going on road trips, but you can also find me binge watching Netflix or painting in my studio.
phone:520.624.5019
Marica Whittemore
Public Programs and Community Engagement Manager
What do you do at MOCA?
I coordinate and plan the events and programming at MOCA, work on education and outreach, and a whole bunch of other stuff! It’s a busy job but each day is a new challenge and I love it.
Why work at MOCA?
Art is my passion – making it, looking at it, and most importantly, talking about it. Working at MOCA has given me a chance to be part of the conversation about contemporary art in our community.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
Most of my time at home is spent hanging out with the world’s cutest puppy. When she lets me, I like to make art, drink wine, watch reality TV while making snarky commentary with my friends, and spend time outside. I’m currently completing my Master’s degree at the University of Arizona in Art and Visual Culture Education.
phone:520.624.5019 ext. 104
Carrie Hess
Business Manager
What do you do at MOCA?
I manage the numbers!
Why work at MOCA?
I believe contemporary art is an important part of our culture, especially as Tucson continues to grow. The conversations it inspires us to have and the inspiration it instills in me to continue to think outside of the box, are truly rewarding reasons to work at MOCA.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I enjoy getting lost in the mountains for days, drinking good beer, and eating good food.
phone:520.624.5019
Employment
Explore our job openings below, or find out more about other ways to get involved through internships and volunteering. AVAILABLE POSITIONS There are currently no job openings available.
Volunteering+Internships MOCA offers a variety of volunteer positions, including: Front Desk/MOCAshop, museum programs, special events (ie: MOCA Gala), and other museum projects. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Megan Franz at megan@moca-tucson.org. MOCA TUCSON’s Internship Program is designed to give interns the opportunity to experience working in various departments within a contemporary art museum. Interns will be accepted into specific departments and/or will participate in the Museum Studies Internship Program (MSIP). Departments include: Visitors Services, Preparator, Curatorial, Public Programs, Education, MOCAshop, Communications, Registrar, Marketing, and Development. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in learning the ins and outs of an art museum/non-profit institution. It is preferred that interns have taken at least one introductory contemporary art class and have prior experience in customer service. The MSIP takes place each academic semester and can be taken for University credit if approved by your department. Interns are interviewed and accepted at the beginning of each semester (January, May, and August). To apply, visit: moca-tucson.org/about/msip-application/
Facility Rentals
Please fill out the questionnaire below if you are interested in renting space at MOCA for an event.
Contact
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