Series

MCASD Series offer visitors multiple entry points into the world of contemporary art by exploring issues emerging from the exhibitions and works on view. In addition to the regular series the Museum presents biyearly lecture series in partnership with San Diego cultural organizations.

Ongoing Series

Introductions

Introductions is a new series that welcomes visitors to join in conversation with our curators and ask questions about the exhibition, artists processes, or particular works of art. Take part in a gallery walkthrough led by an MCASD Curator who will offer insider knowledge about the installation and curatorial process. Introductions is free with admission. Check the Museum’s calendar for the next Introductions program.

On Topic

An ongoing program at MCASD, On Topic utilizes the work of artists featured in current MCASD exhibitions as a launch pad to explore broad topics in contemporary art and culture. These artist-led discussions serve as informal courses for participants, allowing them to interact and exchange dialogue with exhibiting artists. Check the Museum’s calendar for the next On Topic program.

Perspectives

Perspectives is a series that invites the public to take a seat at the table with artists, curators, and specialists in various fields of knowledge, and enrich discussions about works of art or exhibitions on view. Perspective happens at either the La Jolla location or Downtown Campus at 7:00 pm on the Third Thursday of every month.

TNT

(Thursday Night Thing)

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosts TNT, an ongoing program of intriguing events in MCASD's Downtown galleries. During TNT, participants experience something different and interesting—from slide jams, DJ lessons, and poetry readings to live bands, artists' talks, and video projections. TNT's eclectic events are occasions to interact with the region’s arts and artists and feature something new, relating to the art on view or the artists present for the event. Check the Museum’s calendar for the next TNT program.

Xcerpts

Xcerpts is a reading and discussion group that will take place in the La Jolla location’s thoughtLAB—a space for creativity and curiosity. Xcerpts contextualizes works on view by using selections from the MCASD library collection and related resources. Xcerpts is free with admission. Check the Museum’s calendar for the next Xcerpts program.

Family ArtLab

Family ArtLab combines an in-gallery conversation and hands-on art-making experience to allow families with 5- to 11-years-old children to further explore processes and materials inspired by the works on view. Check the Museum’s calendar for the Family ArtLab program.

Film

Whether it’s a thought-provoking documentary, a classic Hollywood hit, or an independent film premiere, viewers can always expect an exciting and relevant film-going experience. An annual film program highlight includes the short film fest alt.pictureshows

Yearly Lecture Series

Russell Lecture

For many years, MCASD and the University of California, San Diego have partnered to bring contemporary artists to San Diego through the annual Russell Lecture program. The Russell Foundation was established in the will of Betty Russell, one of MCASD’s founding docents and a long-time supporter of UCSD. She specified that funds from the foundation should help “foster the appreciation and study of the modern visual arts and creativity of young artists” through support to the Museum and the University.

Axline Lecture

For over 10 years, the San Diego Museum of Art and MCASD have presented this annual lecture event in honor of the unprecedented endowments that Jackie and Rea Axline bestowed on both institutions in 1999.