The Association of Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Joanneum is an important forum for the public support of the institution's basic ideas: collecting, preserving, researching and promoting, exhibiting and presenting art. Founded in 1946 as the "Gesellschaft der Freunde der Neuen Galerie" ("Society of Friends of the Neue Galerie"), the association plays an active role in shaping the cultural life of the province of Styria. Through its idealistic and financial support, it contributes to the promotion of the fine and visual arts, thus building a bridge between art and society by discussing social, economic, socio-political and aesthetic issues that are of fundamental relevance to both sides.

In the Neue Galerie and the Kunsthaus Graz at the Universalmuseum Joanneum, where members can engage with contemporary art, they experience an extraordinary approach to art through direct contact with artists, collectors and internationally renowned theorists. The association's wide-ranging activities include the promotion of publications and academic programmes to accompany exhibitions (symposia, lectures), the production of artists' editions (e.g. Robert Wilson, Marina Apollonio) and the award of the Wilfried Kreiner Prize.