The Art Gallery of Burlington began as a bold idea rooted in community vision. In 1970, the City of Burlington’s Department of Recreation Services recognized a need: local artists and makers had no space to gather, create, or exhibit their work. A weekend seminar brought together passionate members of the arts community—from potters and painters to weavers and rug hookers—to imagine what could be. From that gathering, a Research Committee was formed and, by 1971, had presented a proposal to City Council for a dedicated arts and crafts centre. Though funding wasn’t immediately available, the group’s determination never wavered. In 1972, Arts Burlington was founded to advocate for a shared creative space—a collective voice for the city’s growing community of artists. Their efforts paid off. With Council support and grassroots fundraising, a feasibility study was completed, a site selected, and in 1975, the Burlington Cultural Centre (BCC) was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit. The Centre initially operated out of temporary locations, including a storefront gallery in Upper Canada Place, before finding a permanent home. In 1976, David Nasby was appointed as the Centre’s first Director, marking the beginning of an enduring legacy of arts leadership in Burlington.

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As Burlington’s creative vision took root, its Guilds became the living embodiment of that community spirit. When the Burlington Cultural Centre opened in 1978, the Guilds brought the building to life through creative activities, exhibitions, and community programs. Over the decades, these Guilds have continued to flourish—independent yet interconnected, each nurturing artistic growth, skill-sharing, and creative expression across generations. Today, they remain a cornerstone of Burlington’s cultural life, representing the city’s enduring commitment to community-based artmaking.

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In June 1977, the vision for a cultural hub took shape as supporters gathered at a sod-turning ceremony wearing “I Dig Culture” shirts—symbolizing a community ready to build a permanent home for the arts. That year, construction began, and three City representatives joined the Board. On June 3, 1978, the Burlington Cultural Centre, designed by architect John Harkness, officially opened with a week-long celebration. Its first exhibition, Burlington Community Collects, showcased 75 works from local collectors. That summer saw the launch of arts courses, and by fall, the first Art Market began. An Art Rental service, shop, and library followed in 1979. Later that year, Hayden Llewellyn Davies’ vivid orange sculpture, Space Composition for Rebecca, was installed out front. In February 1979, Burlington artist Jonathan Smith became the first to receive a solo exhibition in the main gallery. He later served as Curator of the Collection for four decades and is currently the Curator Emeritus. This new chapter solidified the Centre’s role as a vibrant, community-driven space, laying the foundation for what is now the Art Gallery of Burlington.

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In 1981, Ted Pietrzak became the Burlington Cultural Centre’s second Executive Director, guiding its growth through a dynamic period. By 1983, the Centre adopted a ceramics acquisition policy, building a collection that celebrated Canadian artists who shaped the national clay arts scene. The first major expansion came in 1991, adding 3,000 sq. ft. and two new studios on a newly constructed second floor. In 1992, Ian Ross took the helm as Director, and a year later, the organization rebranded as the Burlington Art Centre to better reflect its broadening role. By 2000, the facility had grown to its current footprint of 48,000 sq. ft., up from 36,000 sq. ft., following a second expansion and considerable renovations. These upgrades, designed by Kemp-Namisniak-Yamamoto architects, enhanced gallery, studio, meeting, and retail spaces to meet the evolving needs of artists and visitors alike. This chapter marked a period of growth and transformation, positioning the Centre as a vibrant cultural hub serving a thriving arts community.

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In 2008, the Burlington Art Centre Foundation was created to secure the financial future of the organization by building a permanent endowment. Through annual fundraising, the Foundation supported both capital projects and program initiatives guided by the board. A pivotal moment came in May 2014, when the Burlington Art Centre officially became the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB), marking a renewed focus on bold exhibitions, education, and community outreach. Denis Longchamp joined the Gallery in 2013 as Director of Programs, later becoming Artistic Director and Chief Curator, and shaping the Gallery’s artistic vision. In 2015, Robert Steven took the helm as President and CEO. In 2017, AGB partnered with Craft Ontario to launch the first Canadian Craft Biennial, a groundbreaking festival exploring the past, present, and future of craft in Canada under the theme "Can Craft? Craft Can!" After serving for 10 years, the Foundation Board merged with AGB in 2018 to streamline governance and enhance operational efficiency. That same year, Suzanne Carte joined as Senior Curator, and in 2024, she became Artistic Director & Curator, continuing to drive the Gallery’s vibrant programming and vision. This chapter reflects AGB’s evolution into a dynamic cultural leader committed to innovation, community collaboration, and artistic excellence.

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In July 2022, Emma Sankey joined the Art Gallery of Burlington as Executive Director, bringing fresh vision and passion to guide the institution into its next chapter. Under her leadership, the Gallery entered a time of renewal and celebration. On June 22, 2023, the AGB hosted the exclusive Patron’s Dinner to mark the 40th anniversary of its contemporary Canadian ceramics collection, showcased through The Weight of Clay exhibition and programming series. This milestone honoured four decades of artistic excellence in ceramics and reaffirmed AGB’s national influence in craft and design. The year 2025 marked another extraordinary moment: the 50th anniversary of the Art Gallery of Burlington. The celebration brought the community together through three unforgettable events. A sold-out Gala Dinner on May 8 raised more than $70,000 and launched the Friends of the AGB initiative. Two days later, the lively Block Party filled the grounds with families, artists, and performers in a joyful day of art and community. The week culminated on May 13, when Mayor Marianne Meed Ward officially proclaimed AGB Day, celebrated with a heartfelt gathering and ceremonial cake cutting.

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In June 2025, the Gallery unveiled The Power of Place: Reimagining the AGB for the Next Century — a bold redevelopment plan for a new purpose-built 80,000 sq. ft. facility on its Lakeshore Road site. Presented to Burlington City Council by Executive Director Emma Sankey and Past Chair Susan Busby, the plan envisions a 60% increase in space, expanded maker studios, a new education centre, improved green spaces, and enhanced park connectivity. Rooted in community and Indigenous collaboration, the design is guided by five priorities: access, sustainability, civic impact, inclusion, and nature-based design. As Sankey affirmed, “We’re not just building a gallery. We’re investing in Burlington’s creative future.” This ambitious plan positions the Art Gallery of Burlington as a leading cultural destination — a place where creativity, connection, and community will continue to thrive for generations to come.

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