1.

of same time: existing or occurring at or dating from the same period of time as something or somebody else
The Celts were dismissed by contemporary chroniclers as barbarians.

2. existing: in existence now

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

1. creation of beautiful things: the creation of beautiful or thought-provoking works, e.g. in painting, music, or
writing

2. beautiful objects: beautiful or thought-provoking works produced through creative activity

Strictly speaking, the term "contemporary art" refers to art made and produced by artists living
today. Today's artists work in and respond to a global environment that is culturally diverse,
technologically advancing, and multifaceted

Art21 defines contemporary art as the work of artists who are living in the
twenty-first century.

In a globally influenced, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing

world, contemporary artists give voice to the varied and changing cultural
landscape of identities, values, and beliefs.

Bringing contemporary art into schools and communities enables

educators to promote curiosity, encourage dialogue, and initiate debate
about the world and the issues that affect our lives.
artists serve as creative role models, who can inspire people of all ages to
consider how ideas are developed, articulated, and realized in the
contemporary world, offering educators opportunities to support diverse
learning styles.\

Contemporary artists address both current events and historical ideas.

These references help educators and students make connections
across their curriculum and support interdisciplinary thinking
As artists continue to explore and employ new technologies and media,
the work they create encourages media literacy in an increasingly
media-saturated society.
enables students to understand that contemporary art is part of a cultural
dialogue that concerns larger frameworks, such as ideas about beauty,
personal and cultural identity, family, community, and nationality.