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ART IS RESTORATION

Art and culture play a crucial role in seeing us through tough times. We are not alone in this belief. The entire cultural community in Waterloo Region – in fact the whole world –  has jumped into action to keep bringing art into our lives. Museums have launched social media campaigns that draw on their collections for moments of inspiration, hope and even a touch of relief through humour; artists are starting digital community projects; musicians are livestreaming concerts from their living rooms; educators are bringing art classes online – the list continues.

Adad Hannah photograph of a female skateboarder in a black face mask reclining in a graffit-covered half-tube Adad Hannah, Social Distancing Portrait 18, 2020. Photo courtesy of the artist. Read our interview with Adad Hannah on the KWAG Blog.

 

This incredible outpouring has proven that human creativity is perhaps at its most resilient in times of crisis. Even as we face unpredictable challenges and fears in this century, the show must, and will, go on.

Within this overwhelming situation, art can be the rare thing that offers us solace and peace. 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 true force of healing: an opportunity to centre your mind, escape into your imagination and calm your soul. Now more than ever, we need art. This moment also allows us to connect with art in a completely new way. As we search for inspiration to lighten our days, the digital world opens up moments of serendipity, curiosities, learnings and exchanges that we may not have explored to this extent before. It’s an opportune moment. While we cannot physically attend cultural spaces, we can still seize this moment to find art that will heal us, and in doing so become the curators of our own experience. 

To that end, the team at KWAG aims to keep bringing art into your lives through initiatives to stay engaged and provide moments of joy. These include digital encounters with our Permanent Collection and exhibitions, artist interviews and downloadable lesson plans.

Every dollar you can give during this time supports the future of art in Waterloo Region. I know that we will all emerge from this stronger, more unified and more committed to the power of art than ever before.

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Thank you for your commitment to the power of creative voices and expression during challenging times.

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Levels of Support:  

  

Depending on your level of 
support enjoy:
 
  • Supporter evenings and events
 
  • Special tours, lectures and programs
 
  • Invitations to exhibition openings and special events
 
  • Sesonal mailings of KWAG Newsletter directly to your door

 

  
  • KWAG is a member of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG), and as such those who have made a donation of $50 or more are entitled to reciprocal member benefits at other participating art galleries in Ontario
 
  • Enjoy 52% savings on a 1-year personal subscription to Canadian Art; KWAG members pay just $25 for four annual issues - less than half the regular retail price
   
  • Voting at the Gallery's Annual General Meeting (donations of $50+)
The Gallery welcomes all support; however, tax receipts can only be issued for donations of $25 or more.    

 

To learn more about membership benefits, please contact our Director of Finance & Administration, Shelly Mitchell, at smitchell@kwag.on.ca.

How to become a supporter

Online: Donate Now. We also accept donations via e-transfer to finance@kwag.on.ca.

In-Person donations are currently suspended due to our Gallery closure in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community.