Our Permanent Collection is a major asset for the immediate and larger community. It comprises over 4,300 works of contemporary art, a substantial study collection, and an archive of vintage documentary photographs, most of which are designated as Cultural Property through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Ongoing research, conservation, documentation, and public presentations enhance the Collection’s role in our programming and in the larger community. In shaping programs, our Curatorial Department regularly draws on artworks from our holdings and develops projects that support, reflect, and animate the Collection, ensuring it remains an accessible and meaningful resource while building intellectual content.

We are committed to acquiring work by significant regional artists and Canadian artists exploring issues of regional interest; work by contemporary Indigenous artists, especially those from this region; and work by artists whose practices incorporate language and book culture, highlighting the legacy of our building as Barrie’s first public library.