SAINT LOUIS, MO.- Counterpublic shared the opening programming for Coyote Time featuring artists in dialogue, live performances across Triennial sites, and a shared meal at the International Institute of St. Louis with artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, among many other events. The exhibition’s nearly 50 commissioned works converse with neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings to envision a shared near future in a time of global upheaval.
In its third iteration, Counterpublic continues to look to artists to process our present culture and contemplate future realities. The works on view critique and explore issues around education, climate change, technology, immigration, and Native sovereignty both in the context of St. Louis as well as globally. In partnership with neighboring institutions and museums, Coyote Time offers a deep and thoughtful exploration of the power of public art.
The full opening schedule can be found here and below. All programming is free and open to the public, but we recommend registering here to stay connected on upcoming events.
Key moments
Coyote Time grand opening celebration: Thursday, September 10, 8–10pm
Join us for the party of the season as we toast the artists, curators, and collaborators for the Grand Opening of Counterpublic 2026: Coyote Time at Powell Hall with composer Nina Keith performing artist Alice Bucknell’s Coyote Time score with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Artist talks and tours, The International Institute of St. Louis: Friday, September 11, 3–7pm
As a primary exhibition partner, The International Institute Campus includes permanent public artworks and updates to their historic building. The opening includes remarks with Counterpublic and IISTL leadership, a ribbon cutting ceremony for an outdoor sculpture by Petrit Halilaj, a walk and talk with artists and curators, and a meal by Rirkrit Tiravanija and collaborators in the newly launched kitchen.
Performance, Kite in Tower Grove Park: Friday, September 11, 6:30pm
Artist Kite and local musicians will perform the graphic score for Whaŋyablapi (of St. Louis), a major outdoor sculpture in Tower Grove Park.
Artist talks and tours, The Ville: Saturday, September 12, 10am–12pm
Join a walking tour of commissions within the historically important neighborhood with curators and artists Sandra Brewster, Dail Chambers, Tony Cokes, Margaret Honda, Brianna Leatherbury, the People’s Art and Recreation Center and Timmy Simondsm among others.
Opening and artist talks, National Building Arts Center + NON STNDRD: Saturday, September 12, 1–3pm
The National Building Arts Center (NBAC) is an emerging institution holding the largest collection of built-environment artifacts in the United States, as well as hosting artist space NON STNDRD. In partnership with Counterpublic, NBAC and NON STNDRD will host long-term climate-focused projects, introducing regenerative frameworks at a location closely tied to the origins of the global climate crisis.
Opening, talks and performances, Mississippi Riverfront: Saturday, September 12, 3–10pm
Unfolding along the banks of the Mississippi River in Downtown St. Louis, the exhibition spans a series of historic warehouses and public spaces anchored by the Gateway Arch, with exhibition sites extending north and south of this iconic monument. Experience performances with Natural Information Society and the Won Ju Lim with St. Louis Dance Theater and Amy Granat, conversations with Glenn Ligon and Stephen Andrews, and activations by Alice Bucknell and Tromarama.
