With a history dating to 1908, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia acts as a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by bringing the art of the world to Nova Scotia and the art of Nova Scotia to the world. It is committed to this mission as an agency of the Province of Nova Scotia and one of the premier arts institutions in Canada. The Gallery is responsible for acquiring, preserving and exhibiting works of art, and for providing education in the visual arts.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is an agency of the Province of Nova
Scotia for the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of works of
art. As such, its mission is “to bring the art of the world to Nova
Scotia and the art of Nova Scotia to the world. This will be achieved
by providing leadership in the development and preservation of quality
collections, exhibitions, and education and public programs.” The
Gallery’s goal is to develop a collection, exhibition program, and
public program which brings both Nova Scotians and visitors in contact
with contemporary and historic art associated with the province, as
well as with art from across the region, the country and from other
countries and cultures.
The Gallery’s two venues make up approximately 90,000 square feet of space which houses the permanent collection of over 15,000 pieces. In addition, AGNS brings in many Nova Scotian, national and international exhibitions every year, which contributes to the paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics and other works that can be found on display.
Other services that can also be found at the Gallery include a full-service Gallery Shop, the Cheapside Café run by Scanway Catering and Art Sales & Rentals.
The AGNS has grown significantly from its past life as the Nova Scotia Museum of Fine Arts, which was entrusted in 1908 to maintain the Crown’s 200-piece art collection on behalf of the people of Nova Scotia. The Gallery was renamed in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Act of 1975, and shortly thereafter implemented educational programs, started developing the collection and looking for a permanent home after years of using smaller non Gallery spaces.
In 1988, AGNS officially opened the doors to its new home, the Dominion Building (circa 1867), in the heart of downtown Halifax on Hollis Street. This gave the Gallery a home and permanence in the city and province. The home grew ten years later, in 1998, when 2 floors of the neighboring Provincial Building opened as the newly expanded Gallery. This expansion made room for the Maud Lewis House and Gallery, collection storage, office space, café facilities and extended space for all other services, not to mention the additional gallery space.
A 1994 strategic plan outlined numerous goals for growth. One of these goals was reached in 2006 when the Gallery opened a second branch, making it the only satellite gallery in Canada. The new Western Branch is located on Main Street in Yarmouth and helps the Gallery continue bringing the visual arts and Nova Scotians together.