Our Exhibition Philosophy

At the MAH, we believe that great exhibitions make our community grow stronger and more connected.

We are committed to creating exhibitions that inspire diverse audiences to engage deeply with contemporary art and Santa Cruz County history. We see our visitors as partners in actively interpreting and exploring exhibition content.

We produce four kinds of exhibitions at the MAH:

1. Borrowed and Broadened

Borrowed and broadened exhibitions, in which we showcase powerful artwork and artifacts from artists, collectors, or institutions worldwide and link that content to local projects with local partners.

Example: Wild Edge by Tom Killion >>

2. Community-Sourced

Community-sourced exhibitions, in which we invited creative residents of Santa Cruz County and the greater Bay Area to contribute and showcase their own artwork, stories, and objects.

Example: See, be Seen >>

3. Community Issue

Community issue exhibitions, in which we work closely with local partners to create new artwork and installations that spark dialogue and action on local issues, like foster care or senior isolation. Learn more.

Example: We're Still Here >>

4. Immersive

Immersive exhibitions, in which we invite diverse artists and storytellers to take visitors deep into specific creative and cultural experiences that ignite unexpected connections.

Example: Regeneración by Justin Favela >>