About the Gallery

About us

Michael Snow

Michael Snow, Four, 1963 Purchase Delaware Hall Residence Fund, 1968

A university-based, public art gallery since 1942, McIntosh Gallery collaborates with artists, curators and academics to develop innovative strategies to interpret and disseminate visual culture. Exhibitions, educational programs and special events provide a platform for engagement with visual art and artists. McIntosh Gallery acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada through its Museums Assistance Program (MAP), the Canada Council for the Arts through its Engage and Sustain Program, the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario, Western University, Foundation Western, and our donors.

Our Mission

Our mission is to unleash the power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite change.
McIntosh Gallery is a catalyst for dialogue, discovery, and connection where contemporary
and historical perspectives converge to inspire mutual care, cultural understanding, and a
deeper appreciation of the world we share.

Our Vision

To cultivate inclusive spaces where diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences are
celebrated through transformative encounters with art, ideas, and one another.

Our Values

Reciprocity. Respect. Relevance. Inclusion. Creativity & Innovation. Excellence.

  • Reciprocity: We nurture meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect, shared
    learning, and collective benefit.
  • Respect: We honour the dignity, knowledge systems, and lived experiences of all
    peoples.
  • Relevance: We champion artistic practices that spark dialogue, foster empathy,
    and drive positive social transformation.
  • Inclusion: We commit to diversity in all aspects of our work, ensuring our
    programming, staffing, and governance reflect the richness of our global
    communities and our work toward reconciliation.
  • Creativity & Innovation: We embrace bold ideas and interdisciplinary approaches
    that push boundaries and generate new ways of thinking.
  • Excellence: We uphold the highest standards in everything we do, from curatorial
    practice to community engagement and institutional stewardship.


Funder logos: McIntosh gallery, Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, government of Ontario