The collection policy of the gallery is to collect visual art objects of special historical, cultural and aesthetic significance and important contemporary art, in any media, by local, national and international artists. Special consideration shall be given to the acquisition of multiples (e.g. original prints); or of works distinctly relevant to the citizens of Burnaby. There are 4170 catalogued works of art currently accessioned as part of the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection. The gallery has a companion collection which originated in 2005 titled the City of Burnaby Art Education Collection. The mandate for that collection is to collect significant works on paper for the purposes of expanding visual literacy within the regional school districts. Fifteen works have been accessioned as part of this collection and are currently being used in education programs conceived, developed and taught by gallery educators throughout Burnaby School District #41 and the local region. The Burnaby Art Gallery’s collection policy respects and adheres to Section 31 of the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.
Research requests are welcome by appointment only. Please contact Director/Curator Darrin Martens to arrange a date and time.
The Burnaby Art Gallery has recently published its collections online. Click to access.