Silver : 25 Years of Artist-Run Culture : The New Gallery's Retrospective Catalogue : 1975 - 2000

This retrospective publication (and exhibition) marks the 25th anniversary of The New Gallery, an artist-run centre previously known as “The Clouds ‘n’ Water Gallery” and “Off Centre Centre.” The exhibition consisted of works by almost 50 artists from Canada and abroad who have been involved with the gallery at different times throughout its history. The publication contains essays by three authors who trace the evolution of The New Gallery over the past 25 years. Jacobson’s text on the early years of ARCs (artist-run centres), focuses on the impact that “Workshop” (the first artist collective in Calgary) and “Dandelion” (an artist collective and magazine) had on Calgary’s arts community. Mabie’s essay on “Clouds ‘n’ Water” and “Off Centre Centre,” underlines the importance of artist-run culture in the 1970s. Definitions of what an ARC is, and problems related to funding non-profit arts organisations are also considered. T. Jonsson’s essay centres on the relationship between artist-run culture and the mainstream Canadian art world. Other topics discussed by Jonsson include: social and economic factors that have influenced ARCs, reasons for the change of name from “parallel gallery” to “artist-run centre,” and changing definitions of identity/community within Canadian art. Includes a detailed chronology of The New Gallery’s exhibitions and events from 1975 - 2000, as well as appendices listing volunteers and members of the centre, individual and corporate donors, funding agencies and critics/media coverage. Circa 36 bibl. ref