The Westport Arts Center announced today it will begin a new chapter in its history on Sept. 22 when it moves to Newtown Turnpike and changes its name to MoCA Westport.
The new logo. Contributed graphic
The origin of the term MoCA is “Museum of Contemporary Art,” said Heather Lawless, a spokeswoman, who emphasized it will simply be known as MoCA Westport. The new look was designed by Westport’s The Visual Brand, she said.
“Thanks to 50 years of connecting an entire community around a love of the arts, it will open its new doors at 19 Newtown Turnpike under an evolved identity and mission,” the announcement said of the arts facility.
“The quality of programming in recent years has been of an exceptional standard; bringing the best of both locally celebrated and globally renowned artists and their work front and center in Westport.
“It has been the vision of the Board of Directors, and Executive Director, Amanda Innes, to further nurture Westport’s reputation as a thriving creative community by offering a true arts destination to the area.”
As previously announced, the opening will feature two seminal works by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. In addition, an all-new immersive education experience, called The Academy, will also launch in September, the announcement said.
A re-invention of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition will take place around Thanksgiving. And “exciting opportunities for emerging artists of all ages are planned for the spring and summer,” the announcement said.
“And a permanent collection featuring the works of Westport’s best visual artists is also being curated.”
