Survey Suggests Support for Alberta Biennial

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Only half of respondents to a survey by the Art Gallery of Alberta said they would make a point of going to see the Alberta Biennial exhibition, but almost nine out of 10 thought there is value in continuing it.

The survey was undertaken in June in response to criticism that the biennial, which the gallery started in 1996 as a way to highlight regional artists, has never included a Black artist. It was part of outreach efforts over the last two years that have included round-table conversations and other initiatives aimed at addressing equity, diversity and anti-racism.

The survey also found that 40 per cent of respondents thought that the "intent, structure or process of a biennial exhibition is inherently inequitable."

The survey was open from June 1 to July 3 to the public, including gallery members, artists, curators, gallerists and people working in the arts and culture sector. It was promoted through the gallery's social media channels and by email outreach.

A total of 306 surveys were completed, with about half of respondents identifying themselves as associated with the arts and cultural sector, and the other half as gallery members or from the general public. 

The gallery offered no assessment of the survey's statistical validity. Surveys of this type, where respondents are not randomly selected, are generally considered to be informal indicators of stakeholder views.

The respondents included 120 artists, 57 gallery members and 89 people from the general public. Eleven curators, directors or gallerists responded, along with 29 people who identified as arts or cultural workers.

Source: Art Gallery of Alberta