The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery is mandated to promote understanding and discussion of contemporary art and contemporary issues in art history, criticism and curating. Our mandate is realized through research, exhibitions, acquisitions, publishing, education and public and academic programs in the field of contemporary art with a focus on our region within a national and international context. The UBC Fine Arts Gallery was established in 1948 and located in the basement of Main Library on the University campus. For much of its early history, the Fine Arts Gallery was the only gallery in the Vancouver region to focus exclusively on contemporary art. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Gallery achieved a national profile with exhibitions that explored what is now known as cultural studies and by presenting innovative work by artists who would establish Vancouver as an international centre. The Gallery did not have a permanent collection until 1994, when it began to house and administer the University Art Collection as well as maintain and develop UBC’s Outdoor Art Collection. On June 14, 1995, the Fine Arts Gallery was rededicated the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery and opened its new premises at 1825 Main Mall.