MOCA TUCSON INSPIRES NEW WAYS OF THINKING THROUGH THE CULTIVATION, EXHIBITION, AND INTERPRETATION OF CONTEMPORARY ART.
History
Established by artists in 1997, MOCA is Tucson’s only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art from around the globe. 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. MOCA Tucson is an important incubator and connector for contemporary art across the Southwest region and beyond.
MOCA Tucson resides on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O’odham people.
Board of Directors
Kira Dixon Weinstein, President
Danny Vinik, Vice President
Luis Soto, Secretary
Justin Martinez, Treasurer
John Burcher
Anthony J. Canchola
Karen Christensen
Samuel Ireland
Courtney Johnson
Lauren Pew
William Russo
Evie Stefenson-Marquart
David Taylor
Randi Dorman, Emeritus
Terri Kessler, Emeritus
Joanne Stuhr, Emeritus
AMBASSADORS
Carolyn Bass
Burak Bekat
Annamaria Biagini
Elizabeth Cherry
Susan Dubow
Chrissy Frey
Liz Hernandez
John Hudak
Rick Joy
Angela Kapp
Claudia Kappl Joy
Kristopher Kerry
Pablo Kyriakis
Edward Marquart
Olivier Mosset
Olivia Miller
Mary Okoye
Jane Poynter
Anne Ranek
Hope Reed
Stacey Richter
Jerusha Schmalzel
Harold Thomas
Kerry Winkelman
STAFF
Laura Copelin
Curator-at-Large
Carrie Hess
Finance Director
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.
Kevin Burns
Development Manager
Dominic Valencia
Registrar & Head of Visitor Engagement
What do you do at MOCA?
My primary role is designing and implementing visitor programming: I’m always thinking of new ways to improve our visitor experience! I also get to collaborate with the rest of our amazing staff in other ways, including exhibition, design, and registrarial work. There’s always something new and exciting for me here at MOCA.
Why work at MOCA?
As someone born and raised in Tucson, I’ve always appreciated the unique role MOCA plays in our community. MOCA provides an inviting and accessible environment for engaging in the global conversation of contemporary art, while still embodying the diverse and beautiful spirit of Tucson. It is a privilege to be a part of this institution- there’s nowhere I’d rather be!
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
When I’m not at MOCA, I’m traveling, I’m recording electronic music, I’m working in my studio, and I’m loving the sunshine, but still hoping for some rain! A perfect day probably involves a hike through our beautiful desert, a great cup of coffee, and my field recorder.
Alexis Wilkinson
Assistant Curator
What do you do at MOCA?
I conceptualize and realize exhibitions and public programming.
Why work at MOCA?
Art can cultivate expansive thinking, engage many communities, and help us better understand one another and the world through a different lens. MOCA creates and supports an environment where all of these possibilities can flourish.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
Learning more about all that Tucson has to offer!
Harrison Orr
Education Manager
What do you do at MOCA?
I develop and manage education programs for people of all ages and walks of life. I also teach some of our programs. I enjoy making connections in the Tucson community and hope everyone gets the opportunity to experience everything MOCA has to offer.
Why work at MOCA?
MOCA is a museum for the people. I am dedicated to MOCA’s mission not only as a place to view art, but also where meaningful learning and community-building occurs.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I am a practicing artist and currently work with linocut prints. I love to spend time with my furry studio assistants, Bonney and Wallie the Chihuahua-mixes and Minnie the Australian Labradoodle. I love to play board games with my family and see movies with my friends. Late night dance parties with the puppies are a must!
Aja Haymore
Education & Visitor Engagement Coordinator
What do you do at MOCA?
I have the privilege of engaging with members of the community in a variety of different ways, whether it be greeting guests at the front desk or guiding visitors through their museum experience. Behind the scenes I also assist our Registrar and Head of Engagement with community activities.
Why work at MOCA?
MOCA shares my values of art and community. Through formal studies and life experience I have learned how important art spaces are and how they lend themselves to education. I thrive working in an environment where the end goal results in creative outreach.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
When I’m not at MOCA I’m teaching/practicing yoga, analyzing film and leisurely studying fashion and color theory!
Dana Haynes
Communications Manager
What do you do at MOCA?
Oversee communications at MOCA from press releases to social media.
Why work at MOCA?
I fully support the mission of MOCA and believe in the transformative power of the arts. MOCA brings art into our community that you cannot see anywhere else.
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
When I’m not at MOCA you can most likely find me outside in my garden or out exploring some cool new trail.
Treasure Salcido
Financial Associate
What do you do at MOCA?
I count the beans! Although I wear many hats and enjoy stepping out of my bubble to participate in different realms, the primary driver of my work entails data entry, accounts payable/receivables and HR administration (such as payroll and benefits); essentially, anything related to numbers.
Why work at MOCA?
When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up and move to a bigger city with more excitement. Then, I spent a big chunk of my adulthood exploring all of Tucson’s desert gems… *MOCA being one of them*
That said, I am exactly where I’m supposed to be 🙂
What do you do when you’re not at MOCA?
I spend my off time wherever the wind blows me. I love to cook, hike, camp, run, play, dance, color/cut hair. You might catch me at Yamato, Tacos Apson (S.12th), Daisy Mae’s or buying a drink from a local bartender-pal.
Annual Report
MOCA Tucson’s 2020 story is exceptional. Despite a global crisis it was a year of extraordinary growth—MOCA raised funds, spent less, opened exhibitions, took camps and public programs online, and grew its staff. Check out MOCA Tucson’s 2020 Annual Report.
Employment
MOCA Tucson, a beacon for contemporary art serving the vast bi-national Sonoran Desert and the art world far beyond, is expanding its ambitious exhibitions and activities and growing its team. We are looking for individuals who will bring new perspectives and ideas to our team, who are energetic and highly organized, who are self-motivated and deeply collaborative, and who are committed to MOCA’s mission and connected within Tucson’s creative communities.
There are currently no open opportunities at this time.
Volunteering + Internships
MOCA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to build skills and community in the exciting context of a contemporary art museum. Greet and orient visitors MOCAshop, support our weekly/monthly museum programs and special events, and much more. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Dominic Valencia at dominic@moca-tucson.org
MOCA’s Internship Program is designed to provide hands-on experience in the various departments of a contemporary art museum. Interns will be accepted into specific departments and/or will participate in the Museum Studies Internship Program (MSIP). Departments include: Visitor Services, Exhibitions, Public Programs, Communications, and Fundraising.
The MSIP takes place each academic semester and can be taken for college credit if approved by your department. Interns are interviewed and accepted at the beginning of each semester (January, May, and August). To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to dominic@moca-tucson.org.
Facility Rentals
Please fill out the questionnaire below if you are interested in renting space at MOCA for an event.
Contact
Questions? Comments? Contact us using the form below.