Special Purchase of Art Works by Canadian Artists from Culturally Diverse Communities for the Canada Council Art Bank Collection
DEADLINE: 16 February 2009 (Postmarked)

The Canada Council Art Bank wishes to celebrate diversity in the visual arts milieu by purchasing art works by Canadian artists of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and/or mixed racial heritage. The primary objectives of this special purchase are to increase the awareness of culturally diverse artists about the programs offered by the Canada Council for the Arts; complement the Art Bank’s collection; respond to the changing demographics of Canada; and serve the increased demand by Art Bank clients for art works by culturally diverse artists. Paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints, drawings and fine craft will all be considered. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Council’s Equity Office, is in alignment with the Canada Council’s strategic plan directions in support of individual artists and equity.

The process for submitting work to the Art Bank’s purchase program is simple and straightforward. You can visit the Art Bank’s website commencing 1 December 2008 to view the program guidelines and to download the application form or contact the Art Bank to obtain a paper copy. Completed submissions must be postmarked on or before 16 February 2009.

Please share this letter with culturally diverse artists in your community to ensure that it reaches as many artists as possible. There is a lot of exciting work across the country that would receive excellent exposure through the Art Bank’s rental program.

Since 1972, the Canada Council Art Bank has been the leading art rental service in Canada offering an affordable art rental service that markets original contemporary Canadian art to promote and support Canada’s artists. With more than 17,000 works of art, we have the largest collection of its kind and provide comprehensive professional services to all corporate and public sector clients.

Contact:
Suzanne Wolfe
613-566-4414 or 1-800-263-5588, ext.4612
[email protected]
www.artbank.ca

Please note that on 30 June 2009, the Art Bank will be announcing a second call for purchases open to all Canadian artists. Visit our website in June to find out the deadline date and to download the application form for that purchase program.