Because of its location in the heart of Florida, the Polk Museum of Art collection of Modern and Contemporary Art began with a focus on art made within the state; either by Floridians or made within Florida by transplants and visiting artists. The artists represented in the collection mirror the great diversity within the statewide population, including works by Cuban-American and other Latino artists, African-American artists and Asian-American artists.
Since 1983, and as the aspirations and stature of Polk Museum of Art have risen, the scope of the collection has increased to include works by nationally and internationally recognized artists and Florida artists whose work has met the highest standards of artistic competency. Polk Museum of Art has now expanded its collection to include works by major artists throughout the modern era.