The Campbell River Art Gallery’s permanent collection tells the story of collecting practices and donations received since our beginnings in 1994. As we adopt decolonizing practices and engage actively in reconciliation, it is important that we reflect on how that story represents the ongoing history of art and culture in Campbell River and the remote communities the gallery serves.
The collection tells a story of mostly cis white artists. We are grateful for each of these artworks and display them proudly. But we must ask ourselves: what stories are missing? How can we improve our collecting practices to honour the cultural diversity and experience of this place? We have a responsibility to push back against the erasure of lives lived by IBPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, and folks with barriers, physical or otherwise.
We owe it to all of our residents to paint a clear and fair picture of artistic life in this place, and to create a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all to participate.
