The Owens Art Gallery has been awarded $820,000 in core funding through the Canada Council for the Arts’ Artistic Catalysts program, providing significant multi-year support for the Gallery’s operations, exhibitions, public programming, and artist-centred initiatives.

The award recognizes the Owens Art Gallery’s leadership as a public art institution and its ongoing contribution to contemporary art, critical inquiry, and community engagement in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

“This investment affirms the Owens Art Gallery’s role as a vital, public art centre that supports contemporary artists and offers essential community services, including art education, literacy, and social connection programs,” says Emily Falvey, PhD, Director of the Owens Art Gallery. “We are deeply grateful for the Canada Council for the Arts’ continued support.” 

The Artistic Catalysts program provides foundational funding to organizations that demonstrate strong artistic vision, public impact, and institutional leadership. The Owens Art Gallery was among a select group of organizations across Canada to receive funding through this highly competitive, peer-assessed, national program.

“The Owens Art Gallery is central to Mount Allison’s commitment to broad minds, bold futures, and lifelong connections,” said Dr. Ian Sutherland, President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Allison University. “This significant investment from the Canada Council for the Arts recognizes the Gallery’s national impact and the vital role the arts play in fostering critical inquiry, creativity, and meaningful connections between the University and the wider community.”

The 130-year-old Owens is Canada’s oldest university art gallery and plays a central role in the cultural life of Sackville, Mount Allison University, and southern New Brunswick. This funding will support the Gallery’s long-term sustainability and its continued work with artists, students, scholars, and the public.

The Owens Art Gallery proudly acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which helps bring the arts to life for communities across Canada.