The Works International Visual Arts Society

The Works International Visual Arts Society is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose projects have included local, regional, national and international programs and events that have combined the resources of the public and private sectors with Canada's cultural community.

Our Mission

To promote the visual arts and design among the public at large and the artistic community by developing, producing and marketing special projects, programs and events that elicit the continued financial support of sponsors in the public and private sectors and the professional support of the artistic community.

 About Us

The Works International Visual Arts Society advances the development, awareness and appreciation of art and design in Canada and provides artists, designers and the public a forum for exchanging ideas. The Works Art & Design Festival is the most unique, free event of its kind. It attracts artists, designers and patrons from around the world – boosting the city’s energy and imagination for 13 days each summer. The best in cutting-edge design, digital art and new media technology are showcased alongside traditional visual art mediums in galleries transformed from alternative spaces. Visitors also participate in workshops and seminars about the exciting changes and arising issues in art and design. Edmonton enjoys The Works Society’s programs year-round through its education programs and the Art & Design in Public Places Program which leaves permanent art and design in public places.

Land Acknowledgement

The Works International Visual Arts Society respectfully acknowledges that we are located in amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4. This is the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Tsuut’ina, Dene, Saulteaux and Métis, whose histories, languages and cultures continue to cultivate and influence this land and our communities. 

Our Festival site, Sir Winston Churchill Square, is located on the territory of the Cree, Michif Piyii (Métis), Tsuut'ina, and Nêhiyaw-Askiy ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ (Plains Cree) and Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot/Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ).

Our office and gallery is located on the territory of the Woodland Cree, Cree, Michif Piyii (Métis), Tsuut'ina, and Nêhiyaw-Askiy ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ (Plains Cree), which overlaps with the neighborhood also known as Boyle-McCauley. (via native-land.ca) 

The Works recognizes that upholding mutual respect between Indigenous nations and settlers is an ongoing process which includes recognizing and uplifting Indigenous cultural self-determination. As historical arbiters of cultural legitimization, settler art institutions have a responsibility to address the harmful legacies of colonialism which we inherit and uphold. These calls must inform our actions and outputs. 

The Works has the privilege to exist in virtual spaces, such as this website and social media platforms. Our online presence is contingent on land and resources—as our data is stored in servers across the world, and our technology and networks rely on metals such as gold, lithium, cobalt and cesium. We actively strive to make space across online platforms and to celebrate and amplify Indigenous voices through sharing and promoting Indigenous content.