Counterpublic, a St. Louis-based non-profit that reimagines public art, is bringing its mission to New York ahead of its third triennial, titled "Coyote Time." The organization will kick off New York art week with a party celebrating the triennial's curators and artists, including Stefanie Hessler, Jordan Carter, and Wanda Nanibush. It has partnered with Frieze New York to present a new commission and performance by Oglála Lakȟóta artist Kite at The Shed, offering a preview of the triennial. The third edition, "Coyote Time," runs from September 12 to December 12 across five main sites in St. Louis, featuring nearly 50 artists, duos, and collectives. The title derives from artist Alice Bucknell's video game-inspired commission about suspended moments, and the exhibition will explore themes of migration, identity, climate, and technology through ambitious new works and historical reinterpretations.
This matters because Counterpublic is one of the largest public art exhibitions in the United States, and its expansion into New York signals a growing influence and a desire to engage broader audiences during a key moment in the art world. The triennial's focus on civic engagement and community impact—such as its partnership with the International Institute of St. Louis for immigrant-centered projects and its response to the 2025 tornado that devastated The Ville neighborhood—demonstrates how public art can address urgent social, political, and ecological issues. By commissioning works that advance models for action on immigration, climate, and education, Counterpublic positions itself as a leader in redefining public art as a tool for lasting community change.