Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Honors 250 Years of U.S. History with New Art Initiatives

Celebrating 250 Years of Independence at MoCA Arlington

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA Arlington) has announced exciting plans to honor the United States' semiquincentennial through two major initiatives. The first is a grassroots campaign known as “Keep Liberty in Arlington,” aimed at securing the permanent status of the iconic sculpture, Reclining Liberty, which has become a beloved fixture in the community. The second initiative involves hosting a national biennial exhibition, Assembly, featuring a diverse array of contemporary artists from the 13 original colonies.

Keeping Liberty in Arlington

Reclining Liberty is a striking 25-foot sculpture by artist Zaq Landsberg, designed in a reclining pose reminiscent of monumental Buddha statues found in Asia. Ever since it was installed on the front lawn of MoCA Arlington in the summer of 2023, it has drawn throngs of visitors, who come to marvel at its unique artistic interpretation of Lady Liberty. The sculpture not only serves as a visual centerpiece but has also become an important part of the cultural landscape in Arlington, providing a space for reflection and interaction.

Catherine Anchin, the Executive Director of MoCA Arlington, expressed the sculpture's significance: “Every day, we see people interact with Reclining Liberty. She has become the heart and soul of MoCA Arlington, allowing people from all backgrounds to pause, smile, and reflect on the various interpretations possible.” The museum is calling on community members and supporters to assist in acquiring and maintaining the sculpture. Potential donors are encouraged to contribute financially and share their experiences with the sculpture through social media selfies.

A National Biennial Exhibition

In addition to the Keep Liberty in Arlington campaign, MoCA Arlington is preparing for the upcoming Assembly exhibition, which will commence in early October 2026 and continue through January 2027. This exhibition seeks independent curators and artists from the original 13 colonies—including regions like Virginia, Massachusetts, and Georgia—to display contemporary works that resonate with the themes of liberation and independence.

The biennial aims to showcase new projects by artists while providing independent curators the opportunity to present group exhibitions in a controlled gallery environment. The curators will be compensated for their participation and encouraged to explore cutting-edge themes relevant to their local cultural landscapes. They are expected to submit proposals that encapsulate the spirit of contemporary art in their regions. Interested curators can find more details and submission guidelines on the MoCA Arlington website.

Conclusion

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, MoCA Arlington invites participation from the public to celebrate and preserve important artistic representations of freedom, culture, and history. With initiatives emphasizing community engagement and contemporary perspectives, the museum reinforces its mission to connect art and community, making it a vibrant hub for creativity in Arlington. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this historic celebration and support your local arts community at MoCA Arlington!