The Art Gallery of Calgary
Case for Support
Profile
One of Canada’s largest non-collecting non-profit public contemporary art galleries, the Art Gallery of Calgary (AGC) is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art. AGC serves the city of Calgary and beyond by providing exposure to contemporary art as well as education and school programs that meet the needs of students, children, and life long learners. Located in two historic buildings in Calgary’s vibrant downtown cultural district, AGC occupies 16,000 square feet, 6,000 of which is exhibition space (Tall Gallery, Top Galley, and Main Gallery), including a media gallery, interpretive gallery, and a multi-use education centre. The AGC celebrates its 30th year as an active community member and integral part of Calgary’s cultural life in 2007.
Charitable Registration Number
11905 0136 RR0001
Legal Name
Art Gallery of Calgary Society
Year Founded & Incorporation
1977 Calgary AB, 1978 Societies Act
Mission
The Art Gallery of Calgary (AGC) exposes a broad audience to a diverse range of contemporary art through the presentation of excellent exhibitions and education programs. The AGC practices responsible management and continuously develops mutually beneficial community and business partnerships.
Vision
The Art Gallery of Calgary is recognized and valued locally, nationally and internationally for the exceptional quality of its contemporary art exhibitions and programs.
Mandate
The Art Gallery of Calgary is a public contemporary art gallery and a registered charitable organization.
The AGC is dedicated to presenting contemporary art exhibitions and providing quality art education programs and experiences for people of all ages. The AGC does not seek to acquire a permanent art collection nor is it in the business of selling art.
History
In 1977, 14 artist associations representing over 500 artists worked with the Calgary Public Library to convert the second floor of the Memorial Park Library into a public art gallery. The Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation provided funds for these renovations, and the Muttart Public Art Gallery opened its inaugural exhibition on December 4, 1977.
From 1985 to 1990, the Muttart began a period of evolution that saw the introduction of professional gallery staff to manage and develop the gallery's expanding programs including the introduction of its innovative art education programming. The exhibition program was expanded to include the work of emerging and established artists from across western Canada.
Between 1990 and 1995, the Muttart experienced increasing attendance at its exhibitions, growing participation in its education programs, rising staff numbers and an expanded local and national profile as a leading Western Canadian public contemporary art gallery. In 1997, the Muttart purchased two historic buildings on Stephen Avenue Mall. The gallery received a $950,000 contribution from The Calgary Foundation towards the purchase of the buildings, and over the next two years, raised $2.8M from the community for their renovation. This stands as an expression of the community's support for the gallery's role as a distinctive and vibrant centre for contemporary art.
On March 2, 2000, the Muttart opened the doors of its new building and adopted a new name: the Art Gallery of Calgary. Today, under the direction of Executive Director Valerie Cooper, AGC is an interactive and dynamic forum for contemporary art and an active part of the local, national and international network of contemporary cultural organizations. The Art Gallery of Calgary’s exhibitions and programs for Canadians of all ages foster an understanding and appreciation of contemporary art and culture.
Organization Structure
The AGC operates as a not-for-profit registered charitable organization under the governance of a volunteer Board of Directors. Day to day operations and management are the responsibility of 5 full-time and 16 part-time staff under the leadership of the Executive Director.
Geographic Focus
Local, regional, national, and international
Volunteers & Hours
75 volunteers and 2484 annual volunteer hours in 2006
Membership
94 in 2006
Number of Annual Events
51 in 2006
Total Attendance
11,666 in 2006
2006/07 Operating Budget & Fiscal Year
$1,126,066.00, April 1 to March 31
AGC’s Facility
Owned by the Art Gallery of Calgary Society, the Gallery occupies 16,000 square feet, 6,000 of which is exhibition space (Tall Gallery, Top Galley, and Main Gallery), including a media gallery, interpretive gallery, and a multi-use education centre.
Designated a Historic Resource under both the Municipal and Provincial Historic Resource Acts, AGC is also a proud part of the Stephen Avenue National Historic District. Designated in July 2005 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Stephen Avenue is one of only three National Historic Districts in Canada.
Exhibition Programming
AGC presents four exhibition cycles per year showcasing group and solo exhibitions by contemporary Canadian and international artists. The facility houses five distinct gallery spaces, exhibitions include a diverse range of media, from painting, photography, and architecture to design, sculpture, installation, and video. While Provincial artists are our primary focus, working with selected artists of national and international significance allows the gallery to contextualize the artistic work going on in this city in relation to the Canadian and international visual arts stage.
Outreach
Education Programs
Throughout the school year fourteen art education programs, offer in-depth encounters with visual literacy and contemporary culture to over 1550 students, Kindergarten to Grade 12. Program fees are $5 per student, with subsidized classes available to high-needs students. Special tours and information sessions are also arranged for post-secondary students, which include but are not limited to Alberta College of Art and Design, University of Lethbridge, and the University of Calgary students.Public Programs
Concomitant with the exhibition schedule, AGC presents innovative and thought provoking public programs. AGC provides a wide range of activities that foster an appreciation and understanding of art and culture. Programs include artist lectures on contemporary issues in visual arts, co-productions with other local arts organizations, and an ongoing program First Thursday with our Cultural District neighbours.Gallery Rental Program
AGC invites Calgarians to share a historical landmark, invest in their community, and make contemporary art part of their everyday lives. Subject to the gallery’s exhibition and public programs schedule, AGC is a flexible venue for receptions, celebrations, and professional meetings. Over 50 corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals booked rental space at AGC in 2006/07.
Strategic Goals
- The AGC is recognized and valued locally, nationally and internationally for the exceptional quality of its contemporary art exhibitions and public and education programs.
- The AGC shall exceed all self-generated business revenue targets (gallery rentals, tenant rentals, AGCshop), self generated core business revenue targets (school program fees, public program fees, adult program fees, gallery admissions, membership fees) and resource development revenue targets (donations from corporations, individuals, foundations and fundraising events revenue). These combined revenue streams shall exceed operating expenses each fiscal year by a minimum of $5,000.
- The AGC shall establish a debt retirement plan to be put into place by April 1, 2007 to pay off the mortgage by March 31, 2008.
- The AGC shall launch an endowment fund campaign (April 1, 2008- March 31, 2010) focused on meeting the $10 M campaign goal by March 31, 2010.
- The AGC shall increase opportunities for stakeholders and the community at large to be involved and engaged in the work of the AGC (i.e. development of an effective and efficient volunteer resource program).
Short-Term Goals
Operational Funding
To establish multi-year funding partnerships to secure ongoing operational support of AGC for 2007-2009.Endowment Fund
To launch an endowment fund in 2007 with coordinated strategies to approach endowment donors by September 1, 2007.Program Support
Donated funds are used to support annually budgeted programming needs.Programs are as follows:
- Exhibition Programming – in support of the work of 30 to 35 artists annually (4 cycles)
- Public Programs: Family Days, First Thursdays, Artist Talks
- Education Programs: Kindergarten to 12
- Various Partnership Programs with community organizations, i.e. Wordfest, Art City, and ArtWalk
Contact
Valerie Cooper
President & CEO
117 – 8th Avenue SW
Calgary AB T2P 1B4
P 403 - 770 - 1351
F 403 - 264 - 8077
vcooper@artgallerycalgary.org
Donale Gandossi
Chairman of the Board
Account Executive, Direct Cash ATM
P 403 - 271 - 6507
Patricia Borger
Chair, Resource Development
Regional Vice President, RBC Royal Bank
P 403 – 207 - 8025