The Organization

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Unique…inspiring…home…Each word describes the Burlington Art Centre, a multi-faceted facility nestled next to Lake Ontario in the heart of Burlington, Ontario. It is a truly a centre for art, supporting artists, staging exhibitions, nurturing a nationally and internationally recognized ceramic collection, and serving the community.

A Unique Home to Seven Guilds

Founded in 1978, the BAC reflects the unique vision of artists in many ways because it grew from the efforts of several Burlington visual arts cooperatives and guilds which recognized the need for a home for artists working in the region. Seven guilds now create within the BAC, using studios dedicated to photography, hand-weaving, spinning, sculpture, woodcarving, ceramics, fine arts, pottery and hooking craft.

Inspiring Creativity through Art Programs

Artists of all levels are inspired at the BAC. Talented instructors and fully equipped studios nurture not only guild members, but also art students of all ages from the community through studio courses and Hands On programs for schools and businesses.  Artists and craftspeople are supported with professional development programs.

Housing a World-Class Permanent Collection

From its early foundation, the BAC also expanded to become home to a permanent collection of ceramics, vigorously acquired since1983. The BAC Permanent Collection of Contemporary Canadian Ceramics has achieved international recognition and is the largest such collection in Canada. It continues to grow in size and artistic depth.

Inspiring through Exhibitions

The creation and gathering of art within the BAC is complemented by its ability provide a venue to art lovers and artists to come together through its exhibitions program. The BAC is the seventh largest public art gallery in Ontario and stages as many as 20 exhibitions throughout the year which showcase work from internationally recognized artists, national and regional artists, as well as local guild members. Guests can experience art by wandering the BAC halls and through the AIC Gallery, F.R. Perry Gallery, and Permanent Collection Corridor.

A Welcoming Environment

The BAC also boasts a beautiful conservatory, outdoor courtyard, a café and the Art Etc Gallery Shop, which features an art rental program and sells the work of Canadian artists, as well as meeting and event rooms for rent to the community.

A Community of Art Lovers

As a not-for-profit organization, the BAC relies on sponsorships, donations and fundraising to continue its programs.  It relies on dedicated BAC members who volunteer their time to work in the BAC and for its events throughout the year and on corporate partners which generously provide financial support.

The BAC’s Strategic Goals 2012 – 2014

The following strategic goals were developed in order to provide BAC staff and Board Members with a clear direction on where the organization is headed in the coming years.

1. Build a Ceramics Collection Gallery

  • This would be the cornerstone of our local, national and international presence
  • Need to create and articulate a vision for the collection space
  • A feasibility study of this proposed project along with identified phases and timelines needs to be undertaken
  • Recognize this Goal would link into the bigger Functional Plan for the BAC where we are hoping to create more event space, storage etc.
  • This initiative would support Arts Tourism in Burlington 
  • Linked to the other three Strategic Goals

2. Nurture and build communities and audiences, recognizing the importance of “Guilds”

  • This includes both existing and new communities and networks
  • We understand that the “Guilds” encompass the current form as well as emerging forms of networks and collectives
  • Linked to the other three Strategic Goals

3. Define and build the BAC Brand and BAC community recognition

  • Define and explain our “Uniqueness”
  • Define who we are and what we do
  • Improve community visibility - we do not want to be a hidden gem
  • Ensure our name says clearly who we are/what we do
  • This goal extends well beyond marketing and logos. It embraces all elements of who we are.
  • Linked to the other three Strategic Goals

4. Improve financial sustainability of the organization

  • Develop a plan to ensure the BAC is not reliant on external funding
  • As an interim step: How can we be less reliant on government funding?
  • Recognize that this will be an anticipated outcome of the implementation of the other three strategic goals