The majority of Indigenous prints in the AGGV’s collection have been acquired through the generous donations of collectors. In 2018 & 2019 two exhibitions were installed, offering new ways to build that area of the collection, and aiming to build stronger relationships with the artists themselves.

The exhibition Form as Meaning: First Nations Prints from the Pacific Northwest, co-curated by Marcia Crosby, Lou-ann Neel, lessLIE and Alana Sayers, was installed in the Graham Gallery (from January 20 – June 17, 2018), and the exhibition Matriarchs: Prints by First Nations Women, curated by Two-Spirited, Coast Salish artist from Shíshálh Nation, Margaret August, was installed in the Lab Gallery (from June 8, 2019 – January 26, 2020).

This work around the AGGV’s Indigenous print collection is ongoing and a project that the Gallery intends to expand on overtime. This conversation between Curator of Engagement, Nicole Stanbridge and Kelly Cannell is a continuation of the important work that began with these two exhibitions. It is a way for us to learn directly from Indigenous artists how best to build this area of the AGGV’s collection and represent their work, and to further understand the many connections between artists, communities, histories, and the current state of print production in this region.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is located on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. We extend our gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to live and work on this territory.

Video editing by Marina DiMaio.The majority of Indigenous prints in the AGGV’s collection have been acquired through the generous donations of collectors. In 2018 & 2019 two exhibitions were installed, offering new ways to build that area of the collection, and aiming to build stronger relationships with the artists themselves. …