MSVU Art Gallery was opened in a purpose-built space in 1971 by University President Catherine Wallace. Established in 1873 by the Congregation of Sisters of Charity as a school for girls and women, Mount Saint Vincent University was publicly chartered in 1988. Through its exhibitions and programs, the Gallery functions as a visual arts resource for Mount Saint Vincent University, communities served by the University, Metro Halifax residents and art publics everywhere. Admission is always free of charge. MSVU Art Gallery reflects the University’s educational aims by devoting a significant part of its activities to the representation of women as cultural subjects and producers. This program focus is balanced with exhibitions on themes in visual culture which are relevant to university academic programs and/or constituencies served by MSVU Art Gallery. Artists and artisans from the Atlantic region are represented, often in the early stages of their careers.