Ottawa, December 1, 2008 – The Canada Council Art Bank today launched a request for submissions of artworks by Canadian artists of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American or mixed racial heritage to enhance its collection of original contemporary Canadian art.
The primary objectives of this purchase are to increase the awareness of culturally diverse artists about the programs offered by the Canada Council; complement the Art Bank's collection; and respond to the increasing cultural diversity of Canada's population. 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.
Director Victoria Henry said, "The Art Bank is looking to purchase paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints, drawings, fine craft and mixed media made by Canadian artists from culturally diverse communities. We want to showcase beautiful artworks that reflect the demographic make up of Canada. Our clients are very often looking to rent works created by culturally diverse artists so we hope that many artists will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity."
A peer assessment committee will assess the submissions and select a number of them for purchase within the budget of $225,000. The process for submitting work to the Art Bank's purchase of works by Canadian artists from culturally diverse communities program is available on the Art Bank's website. The completed submissions must be postmarked on or before 16 February 2009.
The Art Bank, which has the largest collection of contemporary Canadian art in the world, was created in 1972 to support the efforts of Canadian visual artists and to provide public sector institutions with the opportunity to rent Canadian art for their offices and public spaces. The Art Bank includes some 18,000 artworks, and currently has close to 7,000 works rented to more than 200 government and corporate clients.
Carole Breton
Public Relations Officer
1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4523
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Grace Thrasher
Arts Promotion Coordinator
1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 5145
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