RBC Foundation Donates to Remai Art Gallery Emerging Artists Program

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On September 27, 2013 the RBC Foundation announced a $250,000 donation for the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, and its Artists by Artists mentorship program. In recognition, the mentorship program will be named, for 10 years, RBC Artists by Artists.

“We are delighted with this support from RBC Foundation,” said Jason Aebig, Board Chair of the Mendel Art Gallery and the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, now under construction. “Since Artists by Artists began in 2001, the program has partnered senior artists and arts professionals with emerging artists. Each mentorship term culminates with an exhibition at the gallery. This is a very significant means of sharing ideas and expertise, and nurturing the careers of newly independent artists. “It is gratifying that RBC shares this goal, and the financial assistance will help us build the new Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan,” Aebig said.

“RBC supports arts and culture because we believe in the power of the arts to enrich our lives and enhance our communities,” said Doug Matheson, Manager, RBC Dominion Securities. “We at RBC are so proud to support the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, and happy that we could help play a part in making the future of the arts in Saskatoon that much brighter.”

“Over the past 12 years, this mentorship program has connected the gallery with  116 artists, who produced 54 exhibitions,” said Troy Gronsdahl, Mendel Public Programs Assistant and coordinator of Artists by Artists. “The program fosters relationships between established artists and those who are in the earlier stages of their careers. It provides the impetus to get organized, create new work, and mount an exhibition. It’s great professional development.”

“The Artists by Artists program provides a unique opportunity for the emerging artist to exhibit in a major gallery, and for the senior artist to curate a show,” said Iris Hauser, a recent mentor. “Beyond that, it gives everyone a chance to see new works and appreciate new artists as they develop.”

“As a recent University of Saskatchewan graduate, I felt welcomed into the Saskatoon art community through Artists by Artists,” said Joseph Anderson, another participant in the program. “I was honoured to exhibit my work at the Mendel Art Gallery. The relationships I established with my mentor and gallery staff led directly to other exhibitions and opportunities.”