Partnerships
Cross Connections International is a global design festival featuring a design exhibition and competition. The main hosts and key partners of Cross Connections 2024 include The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the International Museum of Art & Science, and the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.
About UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine, and made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions.
UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley including in Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville (formerly The University of Texas at Brownsville campus), Edinburg (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American campus), Harlingen, McAllen, Port Isabel, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island. UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.
About the International Museum of Art & Science
The International Museum of Art and Science is honored to host Cross Connections 2024 exhibition from the UTRGV School of Art and Design. This exhibition exemplifies the collaboration IMAS has with UTRGV’s College of Fine Arts. Through our partnership, the museum and the university bring together outstanding works of visual and performing arts for the community to experience at the museum. Working together ensures the highest quality of scholastic expression and widespread visibility for and access to this exhibition.
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is a prestigious institution affiliated with the Smithsonian and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. As the leading art and science museum in South Texas, IMAS boasts an impressive exhibition space spanning over 50,000 square feet. Each year, the museum’s galleries showcase a diverse range of rotating art and science exhibits, with a strong emphasis on promoting creativity, education, and interactive experiences.
IMAS offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with hands-on science exhibits and discover original works of art, fostering a deep appreciation for both disciplines. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and interactive displays, the museum encourages innovation and nurtures a love for the arts and sciences.
Within its permanent collection, IMAS proudly houses more than 2,000 specimens related to natural history and geology, as well as 4,500 folk art and textile objects. Additionally, the museum’s collection of fine art consists of 1,500 works that span various countries and artistic movements, encompassing a timeline from the 16th century to the present day.
Ann Fortescue
President and Executive Director,
International Museum of Art & Science
Cross Connections 2024 Juried Exhibition at IMAS
Date: June 1, 2024 – September 8, 2024
Opening Ceremony: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., May 31, Friday
Exhibition Venue: International Museum of Art & Science, McAllen, Texas, USA
Award Announcement for the juried exhibition: 5:30 p.m., May 31, Friday.
About the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art (BMFA) was honored to host the Cross Connections 2024 exhibition from the UTRGV School of Art and Design for the second time; our first partnership was in 2018. This exhibition enables collaboration between BMFA and UTRGV College of Arts, showcasing a unique Digital Art Exhibition featuring artworks from around the world. This partnership allows us to provide quality-of-life experiences to the community and accomplish our mission of educating through the arts. Congratulations to all the participants!
Building on this collaborative spirit, the BMFA, nestled in the heart of Brownsville, Texas, stands as a vibrant cultural beacon, exulting in the splendor and variety of fine art. With captivating exhibitions and engaging programs, BMFA welcomes both local talents and international artists, inviting them to explore boundless realms of creativity and inspiration under one roof. Embark on an enthralling journey through the transformative power of visual art, where every brushstroke eloquently narrates a distinctive and compelling tale. Come, immerse yourself in this tapestry of artistic expression at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.
Deyanira Ramirez
Executive Director
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
Cross Connections 2024 Juried Exhibition at BMFA
Date: April 9 - 27, 2024
Opening Ceremony: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., April 9, Tuesday.
Exhibition Venue: Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, Brownsville, Texas, USA
Award Announcement of the design competition:
6:30 p.m., April 9, Tuesday