Our Mission

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is Waterloo Region's leading public art gallery, connecting people and ideas through art, with a focus on the best of contemporary culture.

On 23 September 1956, the Gallery’s first exhibition, opened by A.Y. Jackson, took place in a bicycle shed behind KW Collegiate: a major exhibition of paintings by Tom Thomson. Since that time, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery has continued to exhibit the best in contemporary art and position the Gallery on the national and international stage.

What has flowed in the years following the Gallery’s incorporation has been profoundly current and topical. For a generation of Canadian artists who have shaken the art world – including photographer Edward Burtynsky, Cree artist Kent Monkman, internationally renowned media artist Shirin Neshat, and emerging voices such as Tristram Lansdowne and David Harper – the Gallery has served as incubator, conduit and champion for the next wave of contemporary art. 

The work we nurture and share is electric, controversial, breathtaking, and always thought-provoking. 

From award-winning and inspiring exhibitions to free programs that enable a child’s first experience with contemporary art, your support makes a difference every day. By contributing to KWAG, you will expand our community’s social and intellectual connections to enhance our shared creative potential.

Donating is easy – you can make an annual contribution, pay with monthly installments (bank or credit card or online here at Canada Helps through PayPal) or contribute shares. For as little as $10 a month you can support our exhibitions and public programs as well as enjoying reciprocal benefits through the Ontario Association of Art Galleries.

To keep up to date, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our E-newsletter.