About The Contemporary

Our programs support artists and arts organizations of diverse backgrounds.

We serve our community by providing spaces for their creative pursuits, and we engage the community through public events, including film screenings, performances, exhibitions, artist talks, poetry readings, and workshops. We welcome groups for tours, field trips, meetings, and private or public events. 

We house several independent galleries, Screen Door Microcinema, a black box theater operated by the Tampa Fringe, and an artist residency program hosted by Tempus Projects. The 3rd floor of the Kress building features 20+ individual artist studios and creative organizations, and on our ground floor, we are home to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Just five blocks south of our premiere location, Kress Contemporary South will offer 50+ affordable artist studios at The Citrus Factory, slated to open in early 2024, aiming to expand further the demographic population we serve.

At Kress Contemporary, we promote and celebrate all forms of art. We plan to expand our facilities to include specialized workshops and studio spaces in the near future. Our vision is to become a leading cultural institution that provides artists with the resources they need to thrive and serve as a hub for artistic expression and engagement.

Educational Programming

Kress Contemporary offers educational programming that caters to participants of all ages and skill levels. Through a variety of workshops and lectures, participants can explore various media such as drawing, photography, and printmaking while receiving guidance and support from experienced artists. The Kress also offers lectures on art history, theory, criticism, and the cultural history of Ybor City, providing participants  with a deeper understanding of the role of art in our society. These programs inspire critical thinking about art and its impact, cultivating a greater appreciation for the arts and creative expression. By connecting participants with local studio artists and historians, Kress Contemporary fosters a greater appreciation for the diversity and creativity of the Tampa Bay community.

Kress Contemporary is dedicated to cultivating a large and diverse community of the arts centrally located in the heart of Ybor City. Our purpose is to provide local, emerging, and mid-career artists with access to studio space, exhibition opportunities, and engaging events that highlight the visual, performing, and literary arts.