Dallas Contemporary rings in its 45th anniversary by empowering two prominent team members with fresh roles to spearhead the museum’s innovative strategic vision. Lucia Simek has ascended from director of external affairs to deputy director, and Emily Edwards takes a step forward from assistant curator to associate curator.
With Carolina Alvarez-Mathies as its executive director, the museum has served as a dynamic platform for cutting-edge artistic expression and discussions within the heart of Dallas. The dexterity of art display, discourses, and activities at Dallas Contemporary coalesce to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of contemporary art’s essence.
“In the past year, the Dallas Contemporary team and I have endeavored to work more collaboratively with the city of which we’re lucky to be a part,” says Alvarez-Mathies. “As we’ve welcomed artists and performers into our space, we’ve seen our attendance numbers grow and our community relationships in various sectors begin to flourish, in no small part due to the creative work of Emily Edwards and Lucia Simek.”
Since joining the museum’s senior team in September 2022, Lucia Simek has honed the museum’s mission and broadened its curatorial scope. Her popular DC EMPTY programming series provides a platform for local artists while connecting with a wider art community. Simek’s strategic alliances with community partners, such as Sweet Pass Sculpture Park, have enriched the museum’s cultural imprint in Dallas.
In her new role as deputy director, Simek will sustain her supervisory role over curatorial and public programs, as well as community engagement and visitor services. Simultaneously, she aims to revitalize the museum’s education initiatives.
Emily Edwards has made significant contributions to the museum’s exhibition calendar over the years since becoming part of the Dallas Contemporary curatorial team in 2018. Her exceptional interest in political and social trauma has provided a distinctive thematic voice to the museum’s presentations. Edwards’ solo exhibition of artist Gabrielle Goliath’s work, Chorus, received considerable praise and made its mark in several best-of lists in 2022.
As the newly appointed associate curator, Edwards will continue her productive collaboration with adjunct curators Pedro Alonzo and Alison Gingeras. She’s also been recognized for her contributions with the prestigious 2023 ICI (Independent Curators International) Étant Donneés Contemporary Art Curatorial Fellowship.
Executive director Alvarez-Mathies continues to be a guiding force, driving the museum’s strategic vision focusing on fiscal sustainability, cultivating local and international relationships, and exploring creative possibilities for the kunsthalle’s expansive space.
The museum, once showcasing the work of Texas artists, is poised to reinforce this focus in tandem with its powerful international program. To that, Alvarez-Mathies says, “Dallas Contemporary began 45 years ago as an art space to champion the voices of Texas artists, and the DC team and I are committed to recentering in that mission, so it can run parallel to our strong international program.” Texas artist and Dallas residents can rejoice knowing that Dallas Contemporary is in good hands.