T H E G A L L E R Y

History

Incorporated in 1978, the Gallery serves the residents of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (pop. 3,021) Kamloops (pop. 90,280) and the surrounding Thompson-Nicola Regional District (pop. 132,663) as well as national and international visitors.

In 1998, the KAG moved to a purpose-built civic building, designed by award-winning architects Peter Cardew and Nigel Baldwin, which also houses the Thompson-Nicola Regional District government offices and the downtown Kamloops branch of the TNRD Library. The 20,853 square foot Gallery includes 4,500 square feet of exhibition space, an admissions/store area, two multipurpose studio/workshop/lecture rooms, a packing and acclimatization area, the collection storage vault with an adjoining workroom and, on a level above, administration and curatorial offices along with a research library. In 2006, the KAG was designated a Category “A” institution under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.

The Gallery’s annual attendance has ranged between 30,000 and 40,000 over the last five years. It enjoys a national reputation for its exhibitions and publications, and has developed relationships with national and international artists, curators, critics, and scholars. The Gallery is also well respected for its educational and public programs and through activities organized and presented in the community and region involving both contemporary and historical art. Its collection as of December 2023 consists of 3,100+ works that reflect the Gallery’s exhibition history. In 2005, the KAG co-commissioned with the University of British Columbia’s Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery Canada’s participation in the 51st Venice Biennale with the work of Rebecca Belmore.

Vision

Art propels engagement and amplifies community vibrancy.

Mission

The Kamloops Art Gallery leads community engagement with art and experiences that open doors.

Values

• Committed to artists and audiences

• Connected to communities

• Excellence

• Dedicated to teaching and learning

• Collaboration

• Sustainability