Counterpublic Triennial in St Louis Tackles Climate Impact with New Sustainability Strategy
The Counterpublic triennial in St. Louis, Missouri, is adopting a climate impact strategy for its upcoming edition, Coyote Time, which runs from 10 September to 12 December. Executive director James McAnally highlighted the significant resource demands of large exhibitions. Consultant Laura Lupton from Field Forms is evaluating the materials and transportation used in the exhibitions. Efforts include encouraging zero-carbon transport for visitors, walkable venues, bicycles, and electric shuttles, with results aimed at enhancing sustainability practices. The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation has awarded a grant to Counterpublic, while four organizations received between $20,000 and $25,000 for their sustainability initiatives. A public gathering titled 'Climate Futures and Infrastructural Imaginaries' is scheduled for 23-25 October, featuring notable works like Lynne Smith's 'What's at the Bottom of the Pond.'
Key facts
- Counterpublic triennial in St Louis is implementing a climate impact strategy for its 2026 edition, Coyote Time (10 September-12 December).
- Consultant Laura Lupton of Field Forms is assessing materials, transportation, and visitor travel to reduce environmental impact.
- Initiatives include zero-carbon visitor transportation, walkable sites, bikes, and electric vehicle shuttles, plus zero- or low-waste build-outs.
- A report will be produced to guide other organizations in sustainability efforts.
- Counterpublic received a grant from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation; four partner organizations received grants from the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative ($20,000-$25,000 each).
- The National Building Arts Center (NBAC) in Sauget, Illinois, will host site-specific projects during the 2026 edition.
- Lynne Smith's project 'What's at the Bottom of the Pond' at NBAC studies a contaminated retention pond and creates an aquatic habitat.
- Counterpublic will host a public convening 'Climate Futures and Infrastructural Imaginaries' (23-25 October).
- St Louis's vulnerability to extreme weather led Counterpublic to move its exhibition calendar to autumn.
Entities
Artists
- James McAnally
- Laura Lupton
- Eric Ellingsen
- Lynne Smith
- Kristin Fleischmann Brewer
Institutions
- Counterpublic
- Field Forms
- The Art Newspaper
- Helen Frankenthaler Foundation
- Frankenthaler Climate Initiative
- The Luminary
- Griot Museum of Black History
- National Building Arts Center (NBAC)
- Granite City Art and Design District
- Non Stndrd
- Sterling Steel Company
Locations
- St Louis
- Missouri
- United States
- Sauget
- Illinois