G44 / Gallery 44

Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography is an artist-run centre committed to supporting diverse approaches to photographic and image-based practices through exhibitions, education programs and facilitating artistic production. Gallery 44 provides space and context for meaningful dialogue between artists and publics. Together, we offer an entry point to explore the artistic, cultural, historic, social and political implications of the image in our ever-expanding visual world. We do this by supporting artists in the research, production and dissemination of their work, at all stages of their careers; presenting thoughtful and rigorous exhibitions by diverse artists; facilitating contemporary approaches to arts education, mentorship and skill-building for youth and adult learners; sustaining inclusive, accessible and community-forward programs, administration and governance strategies; nurturing the active exchange of artistic ideas. Gallery 44 was founded by a small group of artists in 1979, who joined together to share a darkroom and studio. In 1980, the collective began mounting exhibitions, and in 1986, began offering photography workshops. Gallery 44 was part of a greater network of artist-run centres that grew across Canada in the 60s and 70s. The movement was initiated by and for artists to counter dominant institutions and create communities supporting artistic production, presentation, education, and idea-exchange.