Human creativity is perhaps at its most resilient in times of crisis. Even as we face unpredictable challenges and fears, the show must, and will, go on.
As one of the world’s most significant artists, French-American sculptor Louise Bourgeois once said:
“Art is restoration: the idea is to repair the damages that are inflicted in life, to make something that is fragmented – which is what fear and anxiety do to a person – into something whole.”
Art can be a force for healing: an opportunity to centre your mind, escape into your imagination and calm your soul. Now more than ever, we need art. For as little as $50 annually, you can support the future of art in Waterloo Region.
Membership Levels of Support
Friend of KWAG - $50 to $249
Become a Friend of KWAG Member Now
The Friends of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery are a core group of dedicated donors whose support allows us to cultivate meaningful engagement with art for as many community members as possible. Friends of KWAG represent the diverse community that the Gallery calls home.
Annual Benefits:
- 12 months of access to unique Gallery programming and special events
- Free admission at Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG) member galleries
- Subscription to KWAG e-newsletter updates
- 10% discount at Curry’s Artists’ Materials
- Invitation to Members-only exhibition receptions
- Tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount of your donation
- Recognition on our Donor Wall
Partner Club - $250 to $999
Become a Partner Club Member Now
Our Partner Club welcomes up to two named individuals who are deeply committed to the stewardship of our Permanent Collection, which now numbers over 4,300 pieces encompassing a variety of media, themes and periods. Our Permanent Collection is held in trust for the people of the region and its maintenance and development is a key component of the Gallery's artistic leadership on a regional, provincial and national stage.
Annual Benefits:
- All Friend of KWAG benefits listed above
- Two exclusive events that focus on the Permanent Collection, including one that focuses on new acquisitions
- Annual reproduction print of a work from the Permanent Collection
- Members-only Vault Tour of the Permanent Collection (up to 2 people annually)
- Seasonal print newsletter mailed to your door
- Recognition in our Annual Report and print newsletters
Curator’s Circle - $1,000 to $2,999
Become a Curator's Circle Member Now
The Curator's Circle reflects the philanthropic desires of those who wish to foster unique exhibitions and further the curatorial goals of the Gallery. From our start in a bicycle shed to our current place on the national and international stage, Curator's Circle Members can be proud of the contribution they make to the dreams and aspirations of the Gallery.
Annual Benefits:
- All Friend of KWAG benefits listed above
- Invitation to two exclusive Members events
- Members-only Vault Tour of the Permanent Collection (up to 2 people annually)
- Seasonal print newsletter mailed to your door
- Recognition in our Annual Report and print newsletters
- One complementary KWAG publication
Gallery Circle - $3,000 to $4,999
Become a Gallery Circle Member Now
If you want a behind-the-scenes experience of getting to know the Gallery and the artists whose work we exhibit, then you will love joining the Gallery Circle. From vault tours to artist talks and excursions, Gallery Circle donors can participate in a wide variety of activities and learning opportunities that support their love of art and the Gallery.
Annual Benefits:
- All Friend of KWAG benefits listed above
- Two off-site Gallery and Studio visits guided by Executive Director
- Members-only Vault Tour of the Permanent Collection (up to 4 people annually)
- Seasonal print newsletter mailed to your door
- Recognition in our Annual Report and print newsletters
- One complementary KWAG publication
- One complementary Friend of KWAG membership to gift to someone special
Director’s Circle - $5,000+
Become a Director's Circle Member Now
Director's Circle supporters are art lovers and civic leaders who recognize the contribution that the arts make, both economically and creatively, to the life of a community. Director's Circle supporters understand the need for long-term, consistent funding and are vital to the Gallery's mandate of inspiring creativity and appreciation for the visual arts.
Annual Benefits:
- All Friend of KWAG benefits listed above
- Invitation to two exclusive Director’s Circle events, plus two Curator’s Circle events
- Members-only Vault Tour of the Permanent Collection (up to 6 people annually)
- Seasonal print newsletter mailed to your door
- Recognition in our Annual Report and print newsletters
- Two complementary KWAG publications
- One complementary Friend of KWAG membership to gift to someone special
- 20% discount on Community Access Space rental fee for a meeting or private event (additional staffing and hospitality extra)
To learn more about membership benefits, please contact our Development Coordinator, Cera Frederiksen, at cfrederiksen@kwag.on.ca.
We also accept donations via e-transfer to finance@kwag.on.ca.