About Us

MISSION

ARTSPACE is a non-profit organization that assists artists with the presentation of new work. We change in response to the needs of artists and work to engage and inform the public about their work.

Formally, our mandate aims to foster a stronger appreciation for Canadian contemporary art. In our ongoing efforts to increase public awareness, we also aim to build on our reputation as one of our region's most vital arts organizations. 

We advocate for artists. We nurture dialogue across disciplines, cultures and perspectives. We are also representatives, responsible for building ties within the community. Ours is a necessary voice in the cultural landscape, and has been since 1974. 

Our programming, though national in scope, is regional in spirit. In connecting artists to the community and welcoming community involvement, we continue to attract respected talent from across the country; talent we are proud to compensate with fees that exceed recommended CARFAC rates.

OBJECTIVES

• To advocate for the rights of artists 
• To take a leadership role in the interface between artists and community
• To encourage critical investigations by enabling exploration in curation, exhibition, and performance
• To develop various alternate public forums such as lectures, panel and symposia presentations; workshops; broadcasts; publications; off-site exhibitions, and virtual projects
• To foster dialogue between contemporary artists from diverse cultural/political perspectives 
• To serve as a versatile resource facility for local artists and curators 

ARTSPACE is built on the strength of its membership, supported by private sector partners, and funded at all levels of government; the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Arts Foundation, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and the City of Peterborough.