Annual Report 2024-25

Now in my second year as Chair of the Board of Governors, I continue to be struck by all the people who come together at WAG-Qaumajuq to uplift and inspire through art and community.

For a signature event like Art in Bloom for example, the committee of volunteers – members of the WAG Associates – started planning months in advance with staff, and an amazing 270 volunteer slots were filled throughout the event. 109 members of the community representing a diversity of ages and backgrounds created 94 installations of fresh flowers, each paired with an artwork from the WAG collection.

Generous sponsors, donors, and partners provided the stems and infrastructure, and 4,000 visitors came out for the feast for the senses. This year’s event exceeded our fundraising targets, and significant proceeds went towards Through the Eyes of a Child where students aged 4 to 17 who participate in WAG Studio’s many art classes are given the unique opportunity to be both artists and curators of their own exhibition. Close to 1,000 students participated in art classes this past year.

Further, the 15,000 stems were collected by Floral Philanthropy and distributed to healthcare centres, personal care homes, hospitals, resource centres, and schools throughout the city and beyond.

This is a wonderful example of what happens when many passionate and creative people come together to make the community stronger. Just like the meaning of Qaumajuq, it is bright, it is lit!

The Board has continued to work closely with staff, volunteers, and partners as we embrace values that ensure the Gallery remains relevant and impactful, building trust with equity and care. WAG-Qaumajuq is a leader in the museum space, with many galleries and museums looking to us an example of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts.

A standout this year is the Threads of Kin and Belonging exhibition, which set a new standard for accessibility at the Gallery. The artworks are hung lower on the walls, the pedestals are closer to the ground, there is a wheelchair accessible desk in the space, and each label has a QR code that links to an auditory description of the artwork. These small changes make a big impact in allowing more people to fully experience the show.

These important strides would not be possible without you – our supporters and the wider community. Now in my second year as Board Chair, I am grateful to work with an exceptional team of people. I would like to thank my Vice-Chair Kevin Chipman and all our colleagues on the volunteer Board for your steadfast dedication to our cause. To Dr. Stephen Borys, our inspiring Director & CEO, the entire leadership team, and the tireless WAG-Qaumajuq staff who work so hard to make the exhibitions, programs, partnerships, and connections possible for everyone in the community.

Art is a universal language. It brings people together, opens minds and hearts, and allows us to see the world – and one another – through a new lens. With your support, we are having a profound impact every day right here at WAG-Qaumajuq.

Aynsley Cockshott
Chair, Board of Governors

It’s been a banner year at WAG-Qaumajuq. Thanks to supporters like you, the Gallery continues to evolve as a model for the new museum in Canada, balancing the roles of art and artmaking, engagement and learning, and Indigenization and reconciliation.

This year we celebrated artists whose work reflects many facets of the community. We began the fiscal year with Riopelle: Crossroads in Time, organized in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada. This bilingual show marked the centenary of Jean Paul Riopelle’s birth, bringing together more than 100 works from some 30 Canadian and international private and public collections.

In summer we honoured beloved Treaty One Indigenous artist Lita Fontaine with Winyan. Her vibrant works – collages, drawings, dresses, and large medallion-shaped paintings – paid homage to her sisters, matriarchs, and Dakota culture.

Over the fall, we unveiled MOTHERGROUND, an immersive exhibition by Franco-Manitoban artist Dominique Rey and her children, Madeliene and Auguste Coar. One of the first exhibitions of its kind in Canada to thoroughly meditate on the subject of motherhood, the show invites reflection and connection.

During Black History Month, we opened Threads of Kin and Belonging, a Trinnipeg Live Mixtape Project co-produced with Synonym Arts Consultation. The show puts Black and Indigenous voices at the forefront, accompanied by dynamic programming on Canada Life Free Sundays. As part of Islamic History Month, Ihsan presented with Focus Hub Inc shared stories from Muslim communities across Canada.

This year, we welcomed several artists-in-residence through our partnership with the Government of Nunavut, and a summer residency with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources on the Water Initiative Project.

CRAFTED: Show + Sale marked its 10th anniversary in November with a spectacular showcase of makers from Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Nunavik.

We also announced the recipient of the TD Curatorial Fellowship, Nawang Tsomo Kinkar, a two-year agreement creating space specifically for an emerging racialized curator. Kinkar has already put on several exhibitions at WAG@The Park.

Equity is one of four strategic pillars, along with Care, Responsibility, and Trust, that guide the institution to deliver on our core purpose to use art for positive change. You can follow our progress on our new webpage here.

We’ve also partnered with more community organizations to host events, panels, music, and other learning opportunities that better reflect the pulse of our beautiful city. Tremendously successful fundraisers, from Art in Bloom in spring to Gallery Ball in the fall, made an important impact on our bottom line and reach into the community.

The display of the WAG permanent collection and the work of WAG Studio continue to shape and enrich every visit to the Gallery – starting with our K–12 school programs and extending to all who engage with art at WAG-Qaumajuq. Together, they provide a strong foundation for learning, creativity, and connection, inspiring thousands of visitors each year.

Thank you to our donors, members, partners, and volunteers whose generosity and commitment make everything we do at WAG-Qaumajuq possible. Whether it’s a visit to the Gallery or participation in our outreach programs, each encounter has the power to deepen understanding, spark imaginations, and bring comfort and joy – and it’s your support that makes these moments happen.

And a special thank you to Aynsley Cockshott, Chair of the WAG Board of Governors, for your leadership and steadfast dedication to the Gallery. It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire Board on key initiatives that drive WAG-Qaumajuq forward. To Ernest Cholakis – thank you for bringing your energy and dedication back to the Gallery in your new role as President of the WAG Foundation. We’re thrilled to have you leading this important work and grateful to all Foundation trustees for your support. And finally, to my incredible team, the leadership and staff of WAG-Qaumajuq – your passion for the arts and the community inspire me year after year. Thank you for everything you do.

Stephen D. Borys, PhD, MBA, OM, DLITT

Director & CEO

I am honoured to serve as the President of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) Foundation. This new role allows me to build on the remarkable legacy of the late Arthur Valentine Mauro, OC, OM, KC, who founded the Foundation in 1978.

The WAG Foundation operates as a separate, fully accredited entity with its own board of trustees and governance. Our mission is to support the WAG in preserving and enhancing its legacy, expanding its world-renowned permanent collection, and enabling groundbreaking exhibitions and transformative capital projects. Over the years, the Foundation has proudly contributed nearly $2 million to further the Gallery’s vision.

This year, the Foundation pledged to support for the landmark exhibition, Abraham Anghik Ruben, opening in 2025/26. This contribution will be matched by our 2025/26 gift, allowing the Foundation to join the Richardson Foundation and Kipling Gallery in presenting the first solo exhibition in Qaumajuq’s main Gallery, Qilak, the largest exhibition space dedicated to Inuit art in the world.

Opening in May 2025 and running until June 2026, the exhibition will bring together over 100 works by the internationally acclaimed artist, celebrating 50 years of creative production. Anghik Ruben’s first solo museum show was presented by the WAG in 2001. Nearly 25 years later, he returns – this time to Qaumajuq, Canada’s Inuit art centre.

Visitors will also see rarely or never-before-seen works exploring Nordic-Viking themes, climate change, and his recent experimentation with painting, which he took up during the COVID-19 pandemic. His deeply researched, cross-cultural narratives speak to shared human experiences and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

The extended exhibition run spans an entire school year facilitating rich, curriculum-based lessons and tours for K-12 and post-secondary students. We are proud to support this extraordinary initiative.

In an increasingly interconnected world, exhibitions like this one serve as powerful acts of cultural diplomacy. By highlighting Indigenous perspectives and fostering dialogue across histories and geographies, WAG-Qaumajuq continues to build global understanding through art.

As we look ahead to the 50th anniversary of the WAG Foundation, we are excited to expand our activities and deepen our impact. My sincere thanks to my fellow Board of Trustees, to the outstanding WAG team led by Director & CEO Dr. Stephen Borys, and to our many generous donors and volunteers. Together, we are building a legacy of creativity and cultural enrichment for generations to come.

Dr. Ernest Cholakis
President, Winnipeg Art Gallery Foundation

See the image below, or view the Financials PDF

Our financial statements were audited by KPMG LLP. This summary fully complies with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. The complete audited financial statements for the year April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025 are available upon request.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is grateful to the many individuals, corporations, foundations, friends, and all levels of government that support the WAG’s exhibitions, education programs, and fundraising initiatives. Supporters like you create incredible WAG experiences for the whole community to enjoy – thank you!

The following list recognizes the monetary, in-kind, and works of art contributions received between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, as well as our ongoing government and media support. We apologize for any errors or omissions (in this case, please email gifts@wag.ca).

*Indicates total contribution includes artwork. † Indicates monthly donors.

Government of Canada
Canada Council for the Arts
Prairies Economic Development Canada

Province of Manitoba
Manitoba Arts Council

City of Winnipeg
The Winnipeg Arts Council

Government of Nunavut

Louis Riel School Division
Seven Oaks School Division
Winnipeg School Division

$100,000 – $249,999
TD Bank Group
The Winnipeg Art Gallery Foundation

$75,000 – $99,999
Canada Life
Cowley Abbott
Digital Museums Canada
Margaret Hucal
Power Corporation of Canada

$50,000 – $74,999
The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation
Leon A. Brown Ltd in honour of Ruth Anne Shnier
Tachane Foundation Inc.
The Winnipeg Foundation

$25,000 – $49,999
Associates of the WAG
Stephen and Hazel Borys*
Estate of Kathleen F. Campbell*
Canada House
Cholakis Dental Group
Dorothy Ann Naylor Fund
Epp Siepman Engineering
Indigenous Art Acquisitions Fund
Johnston Group Inc.
Michael Nesbitt
WAG Legacy Fund

$10,000 – $24,999
A.K. Prakash Foundation
The Asper Foundation
Caren Davis
Graham C. Lount Family Foundation
George Warren Keates Memorial Fund
Brian and Lois Klaponski
Estate of W.A. Ross MacFadden*
Shirley Ann Richardson Annual Giving Trust Fund
Estate of Shirley A. Richardson*
Thor and Natalie Richardson
Settlers Foundation
Sussex Realty
Bob and Heather Williams
Anonymous*

$5,000 – $9,999
Anish Healing Centre
Birchwood Automotive Group Ltd.
Canadian Museums Association
Geoff Crysdale
Culture Days Manitoba
Event Light*
Felix and Gisele (Lavimodiere) Bertalanffy Fund
Michael Sydney Gray
Suzie Holt
Innovair Group
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation*
Mayberry Fine Art*
McFadden Benefits & Pension Ltd
Payworks
The Polar Foundation
Qualico Developments
RBC Royal Bank
Richardson International Ltd
Henriette Ricou and Dr. Jure Manfreda
Southern Chiefs Organization
Superior Finishes Inc.
The Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Inc.
Anonymous*

$2,500 – $4,999
Alpha Masonry
The Bill and Margaret Fast Family Foundation
Jennifer Blumenthal and Danny Bubis
Connie and Don Borys
Leigh Bridges*
Canadian Council of Archives
Cardinal Capital Management Inc.
Conseil Économique et Coopératif de la Saskatchewan
Duboff Edwards Schachter Law Corporation
De Fehr Foundation Inc.
Kate Everett
Liivi Forster
Sarah Fuller*
Simon Hughes*
Independent Jewellers (IJL)
The Jessiman Family
Nadia Kmet and Rocco DiBiase
Sidney J. Kroker*
The Leonard Foundation
MacDon Industries Ltd.
Ron and Sandi Mielitz
MJO Management Inc.
Kristin Nelson*
Dominique Rey and Lancelot Coar*
Edward Schwartz
Scotia Wealth Management
Shakespeare in the Ruins*
Soul Gallery*
Southeast Nunavut Company Ltd.*
Takao and Anona Tanabe
University of Winnipeg
Estate of Enid May Whalley
Maurice Yacowar*

$1,000 – $2,499
5468796 Architecture
Sangeet Bhatia
Jock and Monique Bockstael
Tim and Shelly Borys
Oliver Botar*
Helen Bowen
Amanda and Randall Burrell
Canadian Museum for Human Rights*
The Cardinal Foundation
Judith Casselman*
Yoko Chapman
Kevin Chipman and Bradley Zander †
Shelley Chochinov
Aynsley and Grant Cockshott
Louise Cooke*
Daniel J. Cowan Fund
Cruise Vacations of Winnipeg*
Claude Davis and Lynne McCarthy
Ben and Shari Diamond
Drs. Mary Lynn and Harry Duckworth
Herbert Enns and Maem Slater-Enns
Renee Ethans
Ashleigh Everett and Stuart Murray
Dr. Daryl and Shirley Hoban
ICOMOS Canada
Joan Kennedy
Murray and Jacqueline Kilfoyle
Alexis Kochan
José and Rudolf Koes
Tina Larson and Frank Szafranski
Sean and Michelle Lawton
Helen Leeds
Bernard Léveillé and Moira Swinton
Daniel Levin and  Lilian Bonin
Keith and Linda Levit*
Dr. Ann E. Loewen
John MacAulay and Shauna Radke
Sharon Martens
Judy and Ken Murray
Maura Nelson*
Jeff Neufeld and Katrina Lee-Kwen
Nola/Bar Accanto*
Peerless Garments Ltd.
Dr. William Pope and Dr. Elizabeth Tippett Pope
Sandra and Harvey Secter
Dr. Ehren Sherbo and Dr. Lauren Whittaker
Jason Smith and Lynne Skromeda
John Stefaniuk
Carol and Daniel Stockwell
Robert and Eileen Stuebing
Thomsen Charitable Trust
Ione Thorkelsson*
Melanie Tooley
True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd.*
Genevieve Twomey and Terry Johnston
Stephanie Villeneuve
Edith Wilde

$500 – $999
Robert and Ina Abra Family Fund
Joyce and Bruce Berry
Doug Blaylock and Judi Bensky
Gary and Caryl Cockshott
Cynthia Cohlmeyer
Rob Cowley
Raymond Currie and Charlene Thacker Currie
Dr. Doug Eyolfson, M.P. and Dr. Sowmya Dakshinamurti
Andrea Darnbrough and Louie Ghiz
Catherine L. David
Helen Delacretaz
The Fairmont Winnipeg*
Gail Faveri
Stewart and Patricia Fay
Lita Fontaine*
The Fort Garry Hotel*
Jeffrey Francis*
Patricia Hall and Jim Reist
Gregg and Mary Hanson
Carol Hibbert
Sue and Jim Irving
Eric Kananoja and Kristine Betker
Sean Kavanagh and Melissa Ridgen
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar*
Bryan D. Klein
Kathryn Knowles
Jean Maksymiuk and Guy Lavigne
Laurel Malkin and David Folk
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra*
Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union
Sandra Louise Marles Medical Corp.
Melanie McCannell
The Hon. Deborah J. McCawley and Otto Lang
John Paskievich*
Pam Perkins
Angus Richardson*
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre*
Sharanpal Ruprai
Barbara Scheuneman
Brenda Taylor
Fenella and Ray Temmerman
Aurora Tetrault
Paulette and Raymond Théberge
Laura Thompson
Vern and Christine Warkentin
Faye Warren
Micheal Weretyk
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football*
Winnipeg Folk Festival*
Anonymous (3)

A special thank you to our Media Partners
Doowah Design
Esdale Printing Company Ltd.
The Sign Source
Tourism Winnipeg
Travel Manitoba
Sussex Realty
Winnipeg Free Press

2023-2024 Annual Report

2022-2023 Annual Report

2021-2022 Annual Report

2020-2021 Annual Report

2019-2020 Annual Report

2018-2019 Annual Report

2017-2018 Annual Report

2016-2017 Annual Report

2015-2016 Annual Report

2014-2015 Annual Report