The New Gallery


The New Gallery is a non-commercial artist-run centre that presents and promotes contemporary art in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
TNG is a not-for-profit arts organization and does not sell art. Instead, it provides a venue for artists producing new work that may be experimental in nature or not commercially viable. As with many other artist-run centres, programming is selected by a peer jury process. TNG is funded by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, by grants from private organizations, and by donations from the public. Artists who exhibit with TNG are paid CARFAC fees.
In addition to providing early exhibition opportunities for artists, TNG provided the impetus for the creation of a variety of other local cultural organizations, including EMMEDIA and the Mountain: Standard Time Performance Art Festival. TNG is also known for fostering the production and trade of Artist Trading Cards.
TNG has been known by two different names in the past: the Clouds 'n' Water Gallery and Visual Production Society and Off Centre Centre.

History and locations

Off Centre Centre, 1980 to 1987

In 1979, the arrival of a bar/restaurant next to the Gallery forced the Society to relocate. The relocation process resulted in a reconsideration of the Gallery's mandate, role in the community, and name. In 1980, the Clouds 'n' Water Gallery became Off Centre Centre , located just off Centre Street in the Neilson Building on Calgary's Stephen Avenue. The new space on the third floor of the historic Neilson Building opened on May 6, 1980, and included a studio for a non-profit radio station called Radio Cora-Radio/Radio, which began its association with the Gallery in 1979. The space also included an area for video work, which was eventually administered by Centre Art Video, a branch of OCC that ultimately became an independent institution known as EMMEDIA.
The 1980s were characterized by the Gallery's focus on community collaborations. In addition to its association with Radio/Radio and CAV, OCC worked with organizations such as ANNPAC and One Yellow Rabbit to advance artist's rights and artistic practices in Calgary and Canada. Programming choices were diverse, with multidisciplinary exhibitions and performances. The original mandate to provide a space for the exhibition of photographs was expanded to include the exhibition of a wide variety of works.
On April 21, 1987, fire swept through the Neilson Building, causing damage to OCC's space and to the exhibition displayed there at the time, Frank's Wild Years by artist Bart Habermiller. The fire precipitated another move for the Gallery, this time to 722 11th Avenue SW, Calgary. As before, the Gallery changed its name along with its location, and became The New Gallery.

Organization and mandate

TNG is a member-driven organization. After paying nominal membership fees, members are invited to elect a representative Board of Directors from the membership. In turn, the Board hires staff members to attend to the day-to-day operation of the gallery.
The number of staff members at TNG varies, although there are usually two full-time permanent staff members, and a third staff member when funding is available. The two permanent staff members have the role of Programming Director and administrative director.
TNG's mandate, as listed on its website, is as follows: "Established in 1975, The New Gallery is an active artist-run centre for the presentation and promotion of contemporary art in Calgary. Through exhibitions, performances, discussions and educational resources, The New Gallery stimulates critical discourse, recognizes diversity, develops collaborative networks and promotes a public appreciation of current art practices."

Programming

A peer jury selects all of the exhibitions featured at TNG. The jury chooses work that is in line with the Gallery's mandate. Often, the jury will select critically engaged work that reflects current trends and issues. The form in which the work is presented is irrelevant; TNG will show work in any media. Artists who exhibit at TNG may be emerging, mid-career, or established. Some artists who have shows at TNG early in their careers go on to become well known in the art community.

Artists

A small selection of Canadian artists who have exhibited at TNG include:
TNG has also featured performances and readings by:
There are three major funding bodies that allow TNG to operate: the Canada Council, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and Calgary Arts Development. TNG also receives occasional project funding from non-governmental foundations.
TNG generates revenue from casinos that are held every 18 months. Volunteers make significant contributions to the Gallery, ultimately reducing the Gallery's expenses and increasing the scope of the work that can be completed.