Tucson, Arizona (Tuesday, April 16, 2024) – Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation for in-depth exploration of the museum’s Art of the American West collection including a feature exhibition (opening February 2025), a reinstallation of a collections gallery, and a collaboratively written anthology. The 18-month project, Of Legacy and Divergence: Art of the American West which began on April 1, 2024, will support the museum in scaling its community-based curatorial practices for a feature exhibition and related publication. Additionally, funding will support public programs and interpretation.
This project will be led by Christine Brindza, Senior Curator / Glasser Curator of Art of the American West, and Dr. Marianna Pegno, Director of Engagement and Inclusion—who have been working together on new curatorial frameworks and approaches to interpretation for over a decade. Brindza, says “this project will be a prolonged engagement with Art of the American West to understand how the genre has been historically exhibited and reflect on its relevance to current and future audiences.” Pegno adds, “Of Legacy and Divergence continues TMA’s commitment to community-engaged practices and innovative collections research—highlighting the multiple perspectives, experiences, and histories.
Additional programs, events, and resources related to Of Legacy and Divergence will be available at TucsonMuseumofArt.org in summer 2024.
Feature Exhibition Dates
February 22, 2025 – June 16, 2025
Permanent Collection Reinstall and Collections Publication
Summer 2025
Museum Hours
Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
About the Henry Luce Foundation
The Henry Luce Foundation seeks to deepen knowledge and understanding in pursuit of a more democratic and just world. Established in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time, Inc., the Luce Foundation advances its mission by nurturing knowledge communities and institutions, fostering dialogue across divides, enriching public discourse, amplifying diverse voices, and investing in leadership development. A leader in arts funding since 1982, the Luce Foundation's American Art Program advances the role of American art in realizing more vibrant and empathetic communities. Through support for innovative projects, it empowers institutions to celebrate creativity, elevate underrepresented voices, challenge accepted histories, and seek common ground.
About the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
As an institution built upon the original territories of the O’odham, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) acknowledges the Indigenous Sonoran Desert communities, past and present, who have stewarded this region throughout generations.
TMA connects art to life through meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity, and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1924, TMA encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown Tucson and is committed to developing quality exhibitions, expanding, and diversifying its collection, providing arts education opportunities, and presenting relevant and innovative programs while broadening public access to the arts.
The museum features exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. A permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art spans continents, centuries, and media. TMA’s campus includes five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an art education center and research library, the Museum Store, and the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art. TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization.
For additional information visit TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. 140 N Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701
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