program structure

Founded in 2004, Outpost for Contemporary Art exists to create a space for cross-cultural exchange and develops international artistic projects that stimulate social interaction between people and emphasize process over end result. We use multiple presentation strategies and collaborative initiatives -- both inside and outside the gallery context -- to support artist's ambitions and broaden the role art plays in society.

Outpost’s Highland Park headquarters is a hub for the organization’s international and community-based programs.

Our programs are organized into thematic and geographic cycles to provide an extended focus on certain world regions. We recruit artists and curators to participate in our residency and exchange program, which provides a framework to support and realize public distribution of their resulting work.

Exhibitions, screenings, artist presentations, lectures, and workshops are organized both at Outpost, in public spaces, and in collaboration with other venues and institutions as vehicles to introduce resident artists to local audiences both in Los Angeles and abroad.

The first program cycle (2004-06) focused on present day relations between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The cycle brought nine artists and teams from Mexico, Canada, and the United States to Los Angeles to realize participatory art projects, exhibitions, and residencies that explored the theme of “Fair Trade” in varying ways.

Outpost’s second residency and exchange cycle (2007-2009) illuminated contemporary responses to socio-cultural transition in Eastern Europe by supporting outbound Kyiv-based exchanges for three American artists and in-bound Los Angeles residencies for six Eastern European artists. Each residency and exchange was structured to allow time and opportunity to produce and present new work, while facilitating an organic collaboration between creative professionals in Kyiv and Los Angeles.

Starting in fall 2010, Outpost's program focus will shift to South America when we bring six South American artists and artist teams to Los Angeles over a period of two years to produce neighborhood-based public art projects.

We recently launched Outpost HQ, a series of events aimed at expanding our local audience. Check our calendar listing for details. The project also features the development of a communal space to provide a meeting place, wireless access, a library of arts periodicals, books, and artist produced printed matter. Outpost HQ is open during scheduled events, and on Wed-Sat, 12-4pm and by appointment. Come and visit us soon!