On September 29, 2022, we marked the 50th Anniversary of the AFA Art Collection. We are continuing our celebrations in 2023 by promoting the collection's history and the Albertan art and artists within...
Documentary video series
The AFA Art Collection is evolving to include more artistic practices and artists from Alberta's many unique backgrounds and communities. Watch artists Adrian Stimson, Kari Woo, Matt Gould, and Karrie Arthurs describe their work and what it means for them to be included in the Collection.
This is the fourth episode in a series of five documentary videos that tell the story of the AFA Art Collection.
Previous episodes
We will provide links and descriptions of each video below as they are published.
Episode 1: Building a Collection
Inspiring, insightful and nostalgic, Building a Collection shares the story of the AFA Art Collection, a time capsule of Albertan creativity. See how the Alberta Art Foundation, created to purchase Albertan art with a budget of $50, 000, transformed into a foundation that supports Alberta’s ever-growing art community with one of the strongest, most active provincial art collections in Canada.
Episode 2: Caring for the Collection
Watch how the AFA cares for an exquisite new acquisition by Métis Cree visual artist, Sharon Rose Kootenay, and the different steps we take to document, catalogue and preserve her work for the benefit of all Albertans.
Episode 3: Sharing the Collection
We can only tell Alberta's stories if we are able to share our artworks with Albertans. Watch how the AFA shares its artistic treasures by providing access to the AFA Art Collection, as well as through innovative exhibition programming.
The videos are being produced by Hidden Story Productions, which is working closely with AFA staff throughout the production process. Watch the teaser trailer for the series.
TREX exhibitions
The AFA is pleased to have worked with its Travelling Exhibitions (TREX) partners to support the curation of special 50th Anniversary themed exhibitions, which will tour across Alberta until 2025.
- TREX Southwest (Alberta Society of Artists) – “Montageries”
- TREX Southeast (Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre) – “Party On!”
Find out whether an AFA Travelling Exhibition is in your community by connecting with our regional TREX providers.
Learn about the history of the AFA Art Collection
As we celebrate throughout this year and next, the AFA will publish stories on our News feed about the history of the collection from the past 50 years.
- New! Have art... will travel
From High Level in the North, to the Milk River in the South, and virtually everywhere in between, the AFA's Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX) works to bring Albertan art to all corners of the province, one crate at a time.
Previous posts
- The history of the AFA Art Collection
Read about how it all began in 1972 with a small investment, which continues to have a ripple effect today... - Discovering lost cultural treasures
A look back at that one time AFA staff were treasure hunters! - It's about time
Learn more about the iconic mural commissioned from Sandra Bromley in 2006 that defines the AFA's offices in downtown Edmonton. - The art of giving
Donations have been foundational building blocks to establishing the AFA Art Collection. In this post we share a few notable (incredible!) examples. - The legacy of Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert - Part 1
We look back at the tremendous impact Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert has had on the AFA Art Collection, starting with the Narrative Quest exhibition. - A ceramic legacy lives on
The evolution of studio ceramics in Alberta, the significance of one small central gallery, and the connection to the AFA Art Collection. - The legacy of Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert - Part 2
Part 2 of our look back on the impact Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert has had on the AFA Art Collection, including the Fellowship for Indigenous Curators.
We will add additional stories to this list as they are published.
Established in 1972, the AFA Art Collection is a unique representation of the history, development and achievements of our provincial visual arts community. Today, the AFA is proud to manage one of the strongest, most active provincial art collections in Canada.
- read a special message from Mary Rosza de Coquet, former AFA Board Chair
- read a statement by the Honourable Ron Orr, former Minister of Culture
50th Anniversary Micro-Grants for Visual Arts
The AFA established a one-time funding opportunity for artists to support art projects that engage in dialogue on visual culture in our province.
- the program provided micro-grants of up to $2,500 per applicant for successful project applications
Watch for artist profiles of successful recipients later in 2023!
Share and support
AFA clients and supporters are encouraged to share information and raise awareness about the 50th Anniversary of the AFA Art Collection.
- download the 50th Anniversary brand image and share as part of your organization's communications materials
- subscribe to AFA Newswire to receive monthly updates
- follow AFA on social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
View the AFA Art Collection
Digital images of nearly every AFA artwork are available to view online for free on the AFA Virtual Museum. More than 9,000 artworks are available to view.