What’s on at Union Gallery?

Union Gallery is…

Rooted in advocacy

Union Gallery opened in Stauffer Library in 1994  after over 10 years of advocacy by students, professors, and community members around the need for a student-driven art space on campus. We are proud of our history and keep student needs and interests central to this day.

On campus, independent

Union Gallery is connected to and affiliated with Queen's University as a creative service on campus—however, it is independent with its own organizational profile, mandate, and Board of Directors. Since its inception, Union has been a student-driven organization, with a blend of core professional and student staff and artists.

Student-driven
Each year, Queen’s University students get involved as key contributors and decision-makers in our organization through experiential learning opportunities and membership. Students volunteer at our front desk, support installs and events, and serve on our Programming and Fundraising committees, as well as our Board of Directors. Core professional staff also support for-credit interns, student staff, and research assistants and fellows (when offered). 

Queen’s students also make up a significant portion of the artists, performers, program facilitators, curators, and writers we support. At all times, we aim to represent student artists alongside paid professionals in our space. Their works are thoughtfully curated together by the student-led Programming Committee with input from the Gallery Director and a Board Member. Each year has a curatorial theme, set by the Programming Committee. 

Non-profit, non-commercial
Union Gallery incorporated in 2022 after 28 years under the AMS. We are  part of a proud tradition of non-profit galleries in Canada that promote art as essentially an experience for all rather than a commodity bought or sold by an elite few. Our activities are non-commercial, with the exception of fundraising initiatives. We do not charge admission to visit the gallery and many of our public programs (workshops, talks, etc.) are offered for free. We pay industry standard rates to our professional artist contractors.

Socially-oriented
Union prioritizes participation by equity-seeking artists, contractors, staff, and volunteers. Our Outreach + Inclusion Program foregrounds this work through partnerships that bring about our Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition, our Social Issues Commission-led exhibition, and our BIPOC Art Series, Beyond Words, among others.

Sustainability-oriented
We are committed to exploring alternative, eco-conscious practices in our exhibitions and programs, such as using creative substitutes for single-use plastics typically used for wall text. Union also brings a sustainability mindset to the relationships we nurture through our work by focusing on reciprocity. We consider the labour, longevity, and replenishment required for mutual and supportive connections. 

Funded by many
Union Gallery’s annual budget comes from many sources. The largest contributor to our operations is Queen’s students through our AMS & SGPS Student Activity Fees, both subject to individual opt-out. These small contributions per year really add up and make it possible for us to continue. We are proud to provide our services with a wide support base.