Name: Contemporary Art Gallery
Address: Canada

The Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG Vancouver), founded in 1972 and federally incorporated as a charity in 1976, is Canada’s longest-standing independent contemporary art gallery outside major museums. In 2001 it moved into a purpose-built space at 555 Nelson Street, designed by Martin Lewis & Noel Best, recognized for architectural excellence. Admission is always free (€accessibility).

Mission & Values
Artist-driven and audience-centred, CAG champions bold ideas and fosters dialogue through open, equitable, responsive, connective, and community-engaged programming. It actively acknowledges its location on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations.

Exhibitions & Programming

Hosts 4–6 contemporary exhibitions annually, featuring emerging and established artists from Canada and abroad. Current shows (Apr–Sep 2025) include CFGNY: Continuous Fractures Generating New Yields and Lindsay McIntyre: Distance Between Objects, Time Between Events.
A robust events series—talks, artist tours, performance, workshops—deepens engagement.
Publishes artist editions, books, monographs and hosts an archive/library (accessible by appointment).

Visitor Experience & Accessibility

Open Tue–Sun, 12–6 PM; Mondays closed. Admission is free; low-contact appointments available before opening hours.
Located at 555 Nelson Street in vibrant Downtown Vancouver (Yaletown edge), fully wheelchair accessible.

Governance & Funding

Operated by a registered charitable society, supported by Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver, corporate and individual donors, and shop revenues.
Guided by a volunteer board, small staff and volunteers, prioritizing free and inclusive access.

Assessment
CAG’s strengths lie in a nimble program that bridges local, national, and global contemporary dialogues. Its free admission and inclusive mandate foster equity and cultural exchange. The main limitation is its compact physical scale, which may limit large-scale curatorial possibilities. Long-term opportunities include expanding digital platforms, off-site activation and deeper Indigenous partnerships.