Art MuseumEsker Foundation
Description
Esker Foundation is a Contemporary Art Gallery located in Calgary. Founded by Calgary-based collectors and philanthropists Jim and Susan Hill, Esker Foundation aims to provide an accessible and welcoming space for people to experience contemporary art exhibitions and programming. Their vision includes ensuring that barriers to access are as low as possible, offering free admission, programs, and parking to all visitors.
A Hub for Contemporary Art
Esker Foundation serves as a leader in the Calgary arts community, connecting the public to contemporary art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. Through their exhibitions, public programs, publishing, and commissioning activities, the Foundation supports artists and audiences by fostering learning, connection, and collaboration.
The Project Space: In addition to the main exhibition space on the fourth floor of the Atlantic Avenue Arts Block, Esker Foundation hosts the Project Space at street level on 9th Avenue SE. This alternative exhibition venue aims to engage the community by increasing the presence and accessibility of contemporary art. The Project Space program invites emerging and established artists to develop new, responsive exhibitions that directly address the neighborhood and explore important contemporary issues.
Engaging Exhibitions and Programming
Esker Foundation hosts a diverse range of exhibitions and programming that reflect on current developments in local, regional, and international culture. From solo shows to group exhibitions, the gallery presents groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research, fostering public dialogue and engagement with contemporary art.
Permanent Collection: Online Publishing Initiative
Esker Foundation's Permanent Collection is an online publishing initiative that commissions responses from compelling voices within or beyond the visual arts for each season of exhibitions. Contributors reflect on current exhibitions to generate new ideas about and connections between artworks from a fresh perspective. The Permanent Collection serves as an expanded exhibition space exploring points of resonance within and between exhibitions and disciplines