The Collection

Public art collections are important for the preservation of cultural heritage, education, community engagement, inspiration, access to culture, and as tool for building social cohesion.
Art is a powerful tool to spark conversations, and gather people around ideas. Artworks often reflect the time, place, and social conditions of where they were made, making them a part of how we can understand the world around us. Artworks can give us insight into perspectives that are different than our own, and opportunities to imagine new worlds.

Although AWE is the legal owner holding title to the work, the AWE Collection was built to serve as a public trust for you. Like a national park or any other heritage site, the Collection belongs to the community. AWE’s role as a charitable organization is to hold the Collection in trust for all Canadians. It is part of Canada’s cultural heritage to be enjoyed and celebrated for generations to come.

Artworks are stored in special vaults that meet international museum standards to control light, humidity, temperature and security. Each artwork also has a number and a detailed record of its history. Also, each year AWE lends artworks to many other professional public art galleries and art museums in Canada and around the world.

AWE is pleased to offer art conservation services, and collections consultations. Please contact us for more information.
We also recommend you visit the website of the Canadian Conservation Institute.
If you are looking to find the value of an artwork you own, please note that AWE cannot provide appraisal services or endorse any one art appraiser business over another. We recommend you visit the website of the Canadian Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers.