Artist Talks + Tours: The International Institute of St. Louis

As a primary exhibition partner, The International Institute Campus includes permanent public artworks and updates to their historic building. The opening includes remarks with Counterpublic and IISTL leadership, a ribbon cutting ceremony for an outdoor sculpture by Petrit Halilaj, a walk and talk with artists and curators, and a meal by Rirkrit Tiravanija in the newly launched kitchen.

To RSVP, please complete the Opening Weekend registration form.

Public remarks by IISTL leadership and ribbon cutting for Petrit Halilaj artwork

Walk and talk tours with artists and curators

Meal by Rirkrit Tiravanija

For the past three years, Counterpublic has worked with IISTL as a key partner to reimagine its campus as a vibrant cultural hub. Following the presidential inauguration and subsequent policy shifts in 2025, both Counterpublic and the wider St. Louis community have sought opportunities to reimagine what long-term support and community partnership can look like. Over the past year, Counterpublic has expanded its support through fellowships designed to offset staffing shortages caused by funding cuts, university coursework and student engagement focused on creative ways to update the building, and intergenerational collaborations with students and elders.

Learn more about our partnership with IISTL.