Campbell River and District Public Art Gallery
The Campbell River and District Public Art Gallery (CRAG) is a registered Canadian nonprofit organization (Business No. 898142161RR0001) operating as Campbell River’s primary public art gallery. Established in 1994, it focuses on exhibiting contemporary art by professional Canadian visual and media artists, with a mandate emphasizing decolonization, diversity, and inclusion[1][2][5].

History and Location

The gallery is situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Ligwiłda’xw people, including the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwiakah First Nations[2][5]. It operates within the Centennial Building in downtown Campbell River, featuring a Main Gallery, Satellite Gallery, studio space, and a gift shop. Exhibitions rotate every four to six weeks, showcasing works ranging from solo presentations to group thematic shows[4][5].

Mission and Programming

CRAG’s mission centers on fostering community engagement through contemporary art, offering workshops, artist talks, school tours, and free public programs such as Super Saturday art-making sessions[3][4]. Its vision aims to establish a critical space for discourse around art’s societal role, prioritizing underrepresented perspectives in curatorial choices[2][5].

Exhibitions and Community Role

Notable exhibitions include Horizon Felt, a 2025 group show featuring North American artists exploring landscape themes[3]. As the region’s sole public gallery, CRAG serves surrounding districts and islands, emphasizing accessibility through donation-based admission[4][5].

Governance

Governed by a board of directors, CRAG operates as a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency, supporting professional artists and community-driven projects while adhering to a mandate of care and equity[1][5].