AMOA-Arthouse took on a new moniker and renewed vision July 18 after officials announced the museum's new name, The Contemporary Austin.

"My goal with the new name is that these are two venues but really one vision," said Louis Grachos, the Ernest and Sarah Butler executive director of The Contemporary Austin.

Part of the vision for the historic museum includes uniting the museum's two major venues, Laguna Gloria, located at 3809 W. 35th St., and the Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave. Grachos said he always knew the Jones Center was going to be a popular location for art and artists, but he is excited about the opportunities for new art experiences and works to be commissioned at Laguna Gloria.

"Laguna Gloria presents the opportunity to develop art-in-nature programing that will really be inspired by the setting," Grachos said. "It will be an attraction by really creating a good art experience, both temporary and permanent.

Grachos said the museum is also considering people who already use Laguna Gloria as officials look to implement the The Contemporary's vision.

"There's a real passionate community of people who use Laguna Gloria—people who enjoy bird watching, and it's a great sort of sanctuary for hiking and nature walks," Grachos said. "Adding a great art experience will be a great attraction to our community."

The Contemporary's first commissions and exhibitions start Sept. 21 and include presentations and exhibitions by Liam Gillick and Marianne Vitale. Vitale will create site-specific, outdoor sculpture at Laguna Gloria, and at the Jones Center, Gillick will show a new film shot in Austin as well as a sculpture at Laguna Gloria.

Grachos said having works by the same artist at both venues aids in The Contemporary's mission to join both exhibit spaces.

The Contemporary's long-term plans include establishing an international art festival and commissioning works for multiple venues throughout the city.

"I believe we can really contribute to the community by providing really exciting art experiences for the public and grow a new museum experience for the community," Grachos said.

For more information on The Contemporary Austin, visit www.thecontemporaryaustin.com.