Dallas Contemporary

A little taste of the mood we’re bringing to Club Rosa: bold colors, statement prints, vintage silhouettes, and 1950’s Latin flair. We’re getting ready for a night of art, music, and community at Dallas Contemporary.

Club Rosa is this Sunday, September 27! Join us for an exclusive look at Iván Argote’s How to Move a Monument on a Tuesday Morning, plus DJs, an open bar, and plenty of reasons to celebrate after a week of fundraising for the future of Dallas Contemporary.

Members receive a complimentary ticket, or secure your individual ticket through the link in our bio. We’ll see you Sunday!

Cocktail attire encouraged.

Drawing inspiration from Belmond’s Britannic Explore, UK we kicked off Candela week this past Friday with an evening celebrating the art of the journey, and a first look at this year’s Silent Auction.

Lavender fields, thoughtful details, and an unforgettable tablescape by CONCEPTO STUDIO set the scene for an evening designed to spark anticipation for all that’s ahead.

Thank you to Duro Hospitality, Colgin Cellars, and Belmond for helping bring this special evening to life as we journey toward Candela.

Photos by Tamytha Cameron Photography.

The impact of CANDELA goes far beyond one night.

Your support helps Dallas Contemporary bring ambitious exhibitions and artists to our community, invest in the next generation through the North Texas Graduate Program, create meaningful opportunities for students, and celebrate artists across our city and beyond.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Academy Awards-nominated DFW artist Abraham Alexander to the CANDELA stage for a special performance, another reflection of the incredible talent and creativity that exists within our community.

As we look ahead to CANDELA this weekend, we invite you to be part of the work that happens beyond the celebration. From supporting the auction and raffle to becoming a DC member, there are many ways to help keep art, artists, and community at the heart of Dallas Contemporary.

Your support makes it possible.

Candela Auction Picks: TEMPLE SHIPLEY, MEGAN GRATCH, ANNE BRUDER-SHARPE

Temple Shipley, Megan Gratch, and Anne Bruder-Sharpe bring discerning eyes and extensive expertise, offering refined perspectives on the contemporary art landscape.

For this year’s Candela Gala auction, Temple, Megan, and Anne have highlighted a selection of works that particularly resonated with them. Swipe to discover their picks.

The auction will take place during Dallas Contemporary’s sold-out Candela Gala on September 26, 2026.

This Saturday, DIGNIDAD takes to the streets of Dallas.

In connection with Iván Argote’s upcoming solo exhibition, How to Move a Monument on a Tuesday Morning, DIGNIDAD begins its journey at Dallas Contemporary before traveling across the city for a day of talks, community gatherings, film, and music.

Designed to move rather than remain in one place, DIGNIDAD brings people together wherever it travels, making space for conversation, connection and celebration.

Created by Ivan Argote in collaboration with Floating Museum and curated by Carla Acevedo-Yates, DIGNIDAD is a mobile monument from the Floating Monuments series. The project grew out of a two-year process with communities in Humboldt Park, Chicago, and honors the culture, resilience and dignity of Latino and Hispanic communities across the United States.

The Dallas tour is supported by Dallas Contemporary and its board members, with the participation of Latino Cultural Center, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, Texas Theatre, Top Ten Records and DMAHL.

Candela Auction Picks: JEREMY STRICK

Jeremy Strick, Strategic Advisor at Dallas Contemporary, brings four decades of experience in the art world, offering a wealth of knowledge and a uniquely informed perspective on the artists and works shaping contemporary art today.

For this year’s Candela Gala auction, Jeremy shares several works that caught his eye.

Swipe to discover his auction picks and what he’s looking forward to at this year’s Candela.

The auction will take place during Dallas Contemporary’s sold-out Candela Gala on September 26, 2026.

Applications close this Friday, September 18.

Calling all North Texas MFA and MA students: Dallas Contemporary’s Graduate Student Program is back.
Two unique opportunities are available: MFA students can apply for consideration in the group exhibition opening next February, curated by guest curator Jovanna Venegas (Jovanna P. Venegas), while one MA student will be selected as the Curatorial Fellow to work alongside Jovanna and Dallas Contemporary’s curatorial department.

With applications closing this Friday, now is the time to get your application in. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the official third cohort.

Apply by September 18 through the link in our bio or visit the Programming tab on the Dallas Contemporary website for application details.

Image: Luana Vitra: Amulets, Curated by Jovanna Venegas at SculptureCenter

MEET THE AUCTIONEER: SIMON DE PURY

We’re thrilled to announce that renowned Swiss auctioneer and art dealer Simon de Pury will lead the live auction at Dallas Contemporary’s sold-out 2026 Gala, Candela, on September 26.

A leading voice in the global art world, de Pury is celebrated for his deep knowledge of the art market, dynamic presence on the auction podium, and longstanding support of contemporary artists.

He’ll take the stage for an exceptional evening of art, culture, and philanthropy, featuring works from leading international galleries and unforgettable luxury experiences.

Candela is sold out, but the excitement is just beginning.

A look back at our 2026 Summer Series Closeout.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Dallas Contemporary this summer. Over these past few months, our Summer Series brought our community together through exhibitions, events, conversations, and shared experiences—from Historia Sintética by Francisco Moreno to Freckles by Claire Kennedy and Horses in My Dreams, Like Waves, Like the Sea by Chance Al-Hajji.

These photos capture some of the moments that made this season so special, including a historic milestone for Dallas Contemporary as Historia Sintética drew the highest opening numbers in our history. More than an attendance record, it reflects our belief that art should be accessible to all and our commitment to spotlighting the artists who call this community home.

We close this season with so much gratitude for everyone who showed up and made it what it was. As we look ahead, we carry that same spirit into our next chapter, welcoming Iván Argote to Dallas Contemporary.

Photography: WASI Creative