Art Collection
The AFA collects, manages, and provides access to the AFA art collection, a treasure of more than 7,500 works of art, valued at more than $10 million, that represents the talents of more than 1,700 Alberta artists, many of whom are historically important individuals in the growth of the visual arts in Alberta. The collection continues to grow through the combined efforts of the AFA, Alberta’s artistic community, and the general public.
The AFA art collection was first established in 1972 and is the only collection of its kind dedicated to showcasing the development of Alberta’s visual arts achievements.
Keep your eyes open! You might come across some of these works in libraries, offices, skyscrapers, and other public venues in the form of our province-wide "open gallery".
Online Collections Access
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts art collection and other provinicial art collections administered by the Alberta Arts Branch are digitally accessible through the Historical Resource Management Information System (HeRMIS).
Art Collection Programming
Art Acquisition adds to the collection through two annual juried Art Acquisition by Application programs, the Art Collection Committee purchase program, and a donation program to support steady and diverse collection growth. Works collected are accessioned, maintained to professional museum standards, and held in trust by the AFA.
The Art Acquisition by Application program supports the collection of works of art by Alberta artists and encourages the development of a strong visual arts community. The Art Acquisition by Application program submission deadlines are April 1 and October 1.
Art Acquisition by Application - Guidelines
Art Acquisition by Application – Application Form
The Art Placement program was started in 1976 to to ensure Albertans have opportunities to enjoy the collection. By making the collection accessible, we enhance public spaces in government offices and buildings, non-profit institutions, and organizations.
Extended Loan places large sculptures in public areas. These popular sculptures are found in outdoor spaces, foyers, and open areas of public buildings.
The Exhibition Program loans artworks to institutions and galleries for provincial and national exhibitions. The historical and contemporary aspects of the collection are valuable to curators, art professionals, and educators as an unparalleled source for research and Alberta art studies.
The Registration Program maintains documentation of artworks in the provincial art collections. This information is available through the HeRMIS web portal. The Registration Program also deals with issues of accountability including copyright permissions and insurance.
The Resource Centre collects and provides access to information about the visual arts in Alberta. Resources are available for use on-site during office hours and include exhibition catalogues, books, magazines and newsletters, 35 mm slides, audiovisual materials, and artist files. The Resource Centre, also known as the Capital Arts Library, is part of the Alberta Government Library system. Items in the collection can be found in the NEOS Library Catalogue.
Art Maintenance and Conservation ensures that the care and handling, preparation, and preservation of artwork are conducted according to museum and archival standards, fulfilling the AFA’s legislated responsibility to preserve and maintain the art collection.
For more information:
Main Information Line: (780) 427-9968
(toll-free within Alberta by first dialling 310-0000)
Management: Neil Johnson, Director, Cultural Policy and Art Collections
T: (780) 415-8784
E: neil.johnson@gov.ab.ca
Gail Lint, Art Exhibition
T: (780) 415-0253
E: gail.lint@gov.ab.ca
Elizabeth Capak, Art Collection Registrar
T: (780) 415-0250
E: elizabeth.capak@gov.ab.ca
Graeme Moorhouse, Art Placement
T: (780) 415-0252
E: graeme.moorhouse@gov.ab.ca
Neil Lazaruk, Art Preparator
T: (780) 415-0254
E: neil.lazaruk@gov.ab.ca
