About Virginia museum of contemporary art
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as MOCA, is a free art museum located in the ViBe Creative District of Virginia Beach. This museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from local, regional, and internationally-renowned artists. With its ever-changing exhibitions and events, MOCA has become a hub for creativity and artistic expression in the Hampton Roads area.
MOCA was founded in 1952 as the Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia. It was originally located in Norfolk but moved to its current location in Virginia Beach in 1976. The museum's mission is to promote awareness, exploration, and understanding of contemporary art through exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach.
One of the unique features of MOCA is its focus on showcasing emerging artists alongside established ones. This allows visitors to experience a diverse range of perspectives and styles while supporting up-and-coming talent. The museum also hosts artist talks and workshops that provide opportunities for visitors to engage with artists directly.
MOCA's exhibition program includes both solo shows by individual artists as well as group exhibitions that explore specific themes or ideas. Recent exhibitions have included "Uncommon Material," which featured works made from unconventional materials such as plastic bags and discarded clothing; "The Resting Place," which explored themes related to death and mourning; and "Women with Vision," which highlighted female photographers from around the world.
In addition to its exhibition program, MOCA offers a variety of educational programs for all ages. These include guided tours led by trained docents, hands-on workshops for children and adults alike, lectures by visiting scholars or curators, film screenings related to current exhibitions or themes explored by the museum's collection.
MOCA also has an active community outreach program that partners with local schools and organizations to bring art education into underserved communities throughout Hampton Roads. Through these partnerships MOCA aims not only to expose more people to contemporary art but also foster greater appreciation for it among diverse audiences.
Overall MOCA is an essential cultural institution not just for residents of Virginia Beach but anyone interested in exploring contemporary art from around the world within a welcoming environment that encourages dialogue between artists themselves their work viewers like you!
virginiamoca.org
