The Ottawa Art Gallery organized the Give to Get Art Auction and gala to raise funds for its programs and support local artists [1].
This event serves as a critical financial engine for the gallery, ensuring that public art initiatives and local creators continue to have a platform in Ontario. By leveraging donated artworks, the organization converts private philanthropy into sustainable community programming.
The event took place on May 29, 2024 [2], at the Ottawa Art Gallery located at 30 Mackenzie Avenue in Ottawa [1]. The gala ran from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. [2].
Participating artists, including Don Kwan, contributed works to the auction. Kwan, who also serves as an OAG board member, said the event's goal is to bring vibrancy to the local scene. "We’re excited to bring a pop of pink to the community and support local artists," Kwan said [3].
The auction focused on creating a bridge between community builders and the arts. By showcasing a variety of donated pieces, the gallery aimed to attract a diverse range of donors to ensure the longevity of its educational, and exhibition services [1].
Organizers said the evening was a way to "paint the town red" — or pink — through the intersection of art and charity [1]. The funds generated from the bidding process are earmarked for the gallery's ongoing operational needs and specific program enhancements [2].
“We’re excited to bring a pop of pink to the community and support local artists.”
The Give to Get Art Auction illustrates the reliance of mid-sized municipal galleries on a hybrid funding model of public support and private philanthropy. By integrating board members as both artists and organizers, the Ottawa Art Gallery strengthens its ties to the local creative economy while securing the discretionary funding necessary for community outreach.
