Canada Council for the Arts Donations

Washington, DC: The Organization of American States (OAS) AMA | Art Museum of the Americas, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the OAS proudly announce the donation of 150 artworks by modern and contemporary Canadian artists to the OAS AMA permanent art collection. The generous donation of the Canada Council for the Arts is part of OAS AMA programming marking the 150th anniversary of the confederation of Canada. 

Earlier this year, the three aforementioned organizations presented Punctured Landscape at the AMA, kicking off commemorations of Canada’s sesquicentennial. The exhibition highlighted themes of democracy, human rights, sustainability, security and national historical narratives. These moments range from celebratory milestones to difficult moments in Canada’s history, with particular attention paid to Indigenous issues. The partnership among these institutions aims to foster art as a tool of cultural diplomacy and increase international awareness of important Canadian artists. 

The acquisition of the first large body of Canadian artworks into AMA’s collection further invigorates its mission as a museum dedicated to showcasing the arts of OAS member countries. 

Among the 150 works on paper, by 99 artists, including 7 Indigenous artists, each of Canada’s ten provinces and one Canadian territory are represented. The works were produced between the late 1960s and the early 1980s. Each print is a duplicate print of works that will remain in the Art Bank collection. Notable and award-winning artists in this collection include Rita Letendre, Daphne Odjig, Claude Tousignant, Pierre Ayot, General Idea, Ken Danby, and Michael Morris.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website