The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a charitable non-profit corporation supported by it’s members, grants and fundraising. In operation since 1969, the Public Art Centre presents curated exhibitions by local, regional, national and international artists, maintains a permanent collection of over 1900 works, and presents innovative and diverse programming for children, youth, and adults. The Gallery has evolved into a well-regarded professional contemporary art centre that was awarded the Impact Award -“Unsung Heroes” by the St. Thomas District Chamber of Commerce, in 2019. The Art Centre is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, enriching and engaging environment of art and creativity, inspire, challenge and educate its audiences. The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is mandated to exhibit, preserve and promote visual arts and to provide exhibition related programming. The mission of the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is to encourage and promote an appreciation for and support the practice of the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County through a variety of exhibitions and educational programs and through the preservation of a permanent collection.