The Canada Council for the Arts presents the 2024 York Wilson Endowment Award to the Art Gallery of Alberta
Award presentation and exhibition opening to take place on March 7, 2025
Edmonton, Alberta – The Canada Council for the Arts is pleased to present the 2024 York Wilson Endowment Award to the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) during the opening of their highly anticipated exhibition, AGA100: Act 3 Words to Worldmaking, on March 7, 2025.
Administered by the Canada Council, this award is provided thanks to investment proceeds from the York Wilson Endowment. To encourage and promote works of art created by painters or sculptors from Canada, the endowment was established in 1997 by a generous donation from the late Lela Wilson and the late Maxwell Henderson. It honours the contribution of painter York Wilson (1907–1984) to the field of visual arts.
The AGA100: Act 3 Words to Worldmaking exhibition marks a significant milestone in the AGA’s centennial celebrations and showcases the remarkable work of contemporary artist Curtis Talwst Santiago. The featured artwork, Culture in the Key of Kerry, Sung by my Aunties on a Saturday Afternoon, is a powerful piece acquired through the 2024 York Wilson Endowment Award, further cementing the AGA’s reputation as a leader in contemporary art and as a vital institution in Canada’s dynamic arts ecosystem.
“The York Wilson Endowment Award serves as both an acknowledgment and a catalyst for Canadian galleries like the Art Gallery of Alberta, whose vision, passion and dedication continue to drive forward the future of the arts. Through its continued support, the Council plays a central role in nurturing the relevance and leadership of art institutions nationwide, ensuring a lasting impact on the sector. We are honoured to support the AGA as it continues its invaluable contribution to the national arts community.”
—Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts
The York Wilson Endowment Award, administered by the Canada Council, plays a critical role in enhancing the impact and relevance of Canadian non-profit public galleries, museums and art organizations across the country.
“We are thrilled to be the 2024 recipient of the York Wilson Endowment Award. This important award allows Canadian public art museums to acquire a new work for their permanent collections, making a significant contribution to Canadian cultural patrimony and supporting the work of living Canadian artists. With this award, we have been able to acquire the work of Curtis Talwst Santiago, an artist who has made a profound contribution to art in Alberta and is acknowledged worldwide. Our collection is indebted to this support from the Canada Council for the Arts.”
—Catherine Crowston, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Art Gallery of Alberta
The opening of AGA100: Act 3 Words to Worldmaking is expected to attract a diverse group of art enthusiasts, patrons and community leaders. By bringing powerful artwork into public spaces, the exhibition invites communities to engage with thought-provoking art, thereby sparking dialogue, reflection and a deeper connection to Canadian culture. The exhibition will showcase the vibrant cultural landscape of Alberta and the broader Canadian arts scene, underscoring the Canada Council’s continued leadership in supporting artistic innovation and its role in supporting institutions that have a transformative impact on Canadian art, culture and the economy.
Event details:
Date: March 7, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Venue: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, Alberta
Admission: Free
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Media relations contacts
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Canada Council for the Arts Amino Yusuf
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Art Gallery of Alberta Joyce George
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About the Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.”
The Council’s grants, services, initiatives, prizes and payments contribute to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene and support its presence across Canada and abroad. The Council’s investments foster greater engagement in the arts among audiences in Canada and internationally.
About the Art Gallery of Alberta:
The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of art and serves as a cultural center for Alberta’s art and visual culture. For 100 years, the AGA has celebrated creativity and cultural exchange, showcasing the rich tapestry of Alberta’s artistic talent alongside groundbreaking international exhibitions.