Coyote Time

Counterpublic, a triennial exhibition based in St. Louis, Missouri, is pleased to announce its third edition—Coyote Time—presenting new commissions and historical reinterpretations by 50 contemporary artists across key St. Louis sites from September 12 - December 12, 2026.

Collectively curated by Jordan Carter, Raphael Fonseca, Stefanie Hessler, Nora N. Khan, and Wanda Nanibush, Coyote Time builds on Counterpublic’s mission to connect art with lasting systemic change. The title derives from artist Alice Bucknell’s 2026 Triennial commission, marking the moment in a video game when a character leaps off a cliff and is suspended in midair, unsure of what comes next. This moment of anticipation guides the exhibition, positing uncertainty as a space for experimentation and possibility.

Amid global political and societal upheaval, the 2026 Triennial will present risk-taking new artist commissions, coalition-building public programs, and long-lasting civic initiatives centering urgent concerns including the climate, education, and immigration. Engaging historic sites across the storied City of St. Louis, alongside world renowned art institutions and beloved community spaces, the Triennial invites audiences to inhabit Coyote Time: To take the risk of jumping into the unknown with faith, purpose, and intentionality.

“Counterpublic invites us to take a leap, to reimagine what public art can do, to build while in motion,” said curators Jordan Carter, Raphael Fonseca, Stefanie Hessler, Nora N. Khan, and Wanda Nanibush. “We aim to contribute to building material and cultural infrastructures for lasting change, while fostering critical conversations and furthering investment in supporting ambitious and experimental artists.”

The Counterpublic 2026 catalogue will be released timed to the opening of the Triennial by Inventory Press. It will be a full color publication, featuring contributions from notable curators, writers, and artists. 

A series of events leading to the opening of Coyote Time will take place in St. Louis, Chicago, New York City, LA, and more. Get connected on social media or at our website for event information and updates.

About Counterpublic
Counterpublic is a triennial exhibition reimagining the role of art in public life. Located in St. Louis, Counterpublic connects art with lasting impact by bringing together bold ideas with the region’s most pressing challenges. As one of the largest public art exhibitions in the nation, Counterpublic celebrates and spotlights the St. Louis region as an epicenter of art and culture through ongoing partnerships and artistic programming. The focal point is a three-month, citywide exhibition with dozens of the world’s leading artists.

Working in public places, cultural institutions, historic houses, and community gathering spaces, Counterpublic commissions artists, and cultural leaders, and civic stakeholders to make and present artworks and ideas that engage history and imagine new futures. In addition to presenting artworks, programs, and publishing, Counterpublic rethinks the model for art exhibitions, seeding civic initiatives that extend beyond the exhibition. Guided by community engagement, each three-year cycle focuses on a new set of dynamic sites and questions, remaining responsive to the moment and aligning with the most impactful opportunities in the region to cultivate generational change.

Counterpublic was founded as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2021. For more information, visit counterpublic.org.