History

In 1994, a group of artists formed an ad hoc committee dedicated to the creation of a public art gallery. This collective of artists, designers and curators joined together with the intention of exhibiting contemporary art and design in the new Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, which at that time was under construction.

The founding artists, curators and arts administrators, and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre then embarked on a process of widespread community consultation regarding its vision and activities. In 1997, this process was formalized through a commissioned Gendai Gallery Feasibility Study carried out by N.L. Hushion and Associates.

Gendai Gallery was incorporated as a non-profit entity on November 16, 2000. Since its inaugural exhibition in 2000, Gendai Gallery has been steadily developing its programs. The gallery's programs are made possible through the efforts of a volunteer Board of Directors. The Gallery also relies on volunteer advisors from the arts community to help carry out its mission.

Founding Members

• Aiko Suzuki (1937 – 2005), (Artist)
• Walter T. Sunahara (1935 – 2002), (Artist)
• Banri Nakamura, (Industrial Designer)
• Michiko Nakamura, (Ceramicist)
• Louise Noguchi, (Artist)