Dallas Contemporary Faces Leadership Void and Exhibition Cancellations
Following the departure of Executive Director Lucia Simek in December 2025, Dallas Contemporary (DC) is undergoing a transition as she pursues independent practice. Simek, who was appointed interim director in September 2024 and officially hired in February 2025, has caused the cancellation of the exhibition "Sometimes People Need Moonlight," which was set to feature Dallas artist Ike E. Morgan from April to August 2026. Julie Webb noted that the cancellation was due to "simply timing." Meanwhile, the solo exhibition "Historia Sintética" launched on April 17, 2026, drawing record attendance. Addressing rumors about roof issues, DC Board Vice President Tammy Cotton Hartnett confirmed that routine maintenance has not impacted any spaces. The organization is actively seeking a new executive director while continuing its programming and introducing a rental program.
Key facts
- Lucia Simek departed as Executive Director of Dallas Contemporary in December 2025.
- Simek was appointed interim executive director in September 2024 and officially hired in February 2025.
- The Ike E. Morgan exhibition 'Sometimes People Need Moonlight' was canceled.
- The exhibition was curated by Bradley Petty and scheduled for April through August 2026.
- Julie Webb of Webb Gallery said the cancellation was due to 'simply timing.'
- Francisco Moreno's solo exhibition 'Historia Sintética' opened on April 17, 2026.
- Using Gallery 1 for storage saved DC approximately $250,000.
- DC launched a rental program for after-hours and between exhibitions.
Entities
Artists
- Lucia Simek
- Carolina Alvarez-Mathies
- Ike E. Morgan
- Bradley Petty
- Francisco Moreno
- Julie Webb
Institutions
- Dallas Contemporary
- Webb Gallery
- Glasstire
Locations
- Dallas
- Waxahachie
- Texas
- United States