The Kelowna Art Gallery (KAG) is a not-for-profit charitable society, incorporated on March 14, 1977, and recognized as a federal charitable organization by the Canada Revenue Agency under the BC Societies Act. Initially, the Gallery operated within the Kelowna Centennial Museum, where it began showcasing visual art exhibitions and building a Permanent Collection.
The gallery’s permanent collection started with the acquisition of After the Rain by Okanagan resident Irvine Adams (1902–1992) in 1977. Since then, nearly 1000 works of art have been acquired by the gallery through donation and purchase. You can view the collection online here.
In 1996, KAG relocated to a new, purpose-built facility spanning 15,758 square feet in the heart of Kelowna’s cultural district. Today, the Gallery is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of nine community leaders, supported by a dedicated team of 10 full-time staff members, including an Executive Director, Curator, Assistant Curator/Registrar, Membership and Operations Coordinator, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Graphic Designer, and IT Coordinator.
On November 1, 2006, the Kelowna Art Gallery was granted “A” status by the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Gallery team is committed to presenting a dynamic exhibition program in our four exhibition spaces. Each year we feature major national exhibitions in our expansive 3,000 sq ft gallery, alongside solo artist and group exhibitions in our smaller galleries. We commission regional artists to create new installations for our outdoor Courtyard area. The Front Space and The Art Lab serve multiple purposes, including hosting exhibitions, hands-on artmaking projects, lectures, and rental events.
Adjacent to the main entrance, The Glass Gallery showcases multiple art installations each year by emerging local artists. Additionally, our offsite Satellite Space at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) features new works commissioned from artists, tailored for this unique setting.
Since its founding, the Gallery has been dedicated to showcasing contemporary Canadian artists, paying Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC) fees, and employing professional staff to foster engagement with visual arts in Canada. Each exhibition is complemented by video artist and curator talks, as well as publications that provide deeper insights into the showcased works.
The Kelowna Art Gallery is dedicated to making art an integral part of everyday life—whether in our gallery, in the community, online, at the airport, or in classrooms. As a key partner in the cultural and creative landscape, we are committed to delivering accessible, diverse, and inclusive visual art experiences. We prioritize our audience by offering exhibitions and installations that cater to all levels of art appreciation, alongside educational programs for all ages. Through our professional staff and invaluable volunteers, we strive to bring art into the community in meaningful ways.
