Counterpublic Triennial Announces 'Coyote Time' for 2026

The third edition of the St. Louis-based exhibition will feature new commissions and historical reinterpretations by 50 artists.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Counterpublic, a triennial exhibition based in St. Louis, Missouri, has announced its third edition titled 'Coyote Time' which will run from September 12 to December 12, 2026. The exhibition will feature new commissions and historical reinterpretations by 50 contemporary artists across key St. Louis sites. 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.

Why it matters

Counterpublic is one of the largest public art exhibitions in the nation, celebrating and spotlighting the St. Louis region as an epicenter of art and culture. 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.

The details

The title 'Coyote Time' 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. 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.

  • The Counterpublic 2026 Triennial will run from September 12 to December 12, 2026.
  • A series of events leading to the opening of 'Coyote Time' will take place in St. Louis, Chicago, New York City, LA, and more.

The players

Counterpublic

A triennial exhibition reimagining the role of art in public life, located in St. Louis and connecting art with lasting impact by bringing together bold ideas with the region's most pressing challenges.

Jordan Carter

One of the curators of the Counterpublic 2026 Triennial.

Raphael Fonseca

One of the curators of the Counterpublic 2026 Triennial.

Stefanie Hessler

One of the curators of the Counterpublic 2026 Triennial.

Nora N. Khan

One of the curators of the Counterpublic 2026 Triennial.

Wanda Nanibush

One of the curators of the Counterpublic 2026 Triennial.

Alice Bucknell

An artist whose 2026 Triennial commission inspired the title 'Coyote Time'.

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What they’re saying

“Counterpublic invites us to take a leap, to reimagine what public art can do, to build while in motion. 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.”

— Jordan Carter, Raphael Fonseca, Stefanie Hessler, Nora N. Khan, and Wanda Nanibush, Curators of the Counterpublic 2026 Triennial (e-flux.com)

What’s next

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 the Counterpublic website for event information and updates.

The takeaway

The Counterpublic 2026 Triennial, titled 'Coyote Time', will bring together bold ideas and experimental artworks to engage with the St. Louis region's most pressing challenges, positioning uncertainty as a space for possibility and lasting change.