During Frieze Week 2026, 96 West Arts was delighted to partner with the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom to host a special reception celebrating the Canadian visual arts community abroad.

Held at the Canada Gallery in Canada House, overlooking Trafalgar Square, the evening brought together Canadian artists, curators, gallerists and cultural professionals, alongside friends and supporters of Canadian art from across London's international arts community.

Taking place amid one of the most anticipated weeks in the global art calendar, the reception welcomed a lively mix of London-based guests and those visiting from Canada and further afield for the occasion. Among those in attendance were Canadian artists and gallerists exhibiting at Frieze and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, alongside curators, members of the press, cultural producers and arts professionals contributing to the many exhibitions, projects and programmes unfolding across the city.

The evening began with welcoming remarks from Caitlin Workman, Counsellor and Head of Section (Public Diplomacy) at the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, and Aleya Dwivedi, Founder of 96 West Arts. Together, they welcomed guests and reflected on the opportunity to bring Canada's international visual arts community together during a particularly vibrant moment in London's cultural calendar.

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Beyond the Fairs: Building Connections During Frieze Week

At the heart of the reception was a private view of Looking the World in the Face, a photographic exhibition curated by Amin Alsaden, featuring works from the Canada Council Art Bank. Highlighting the contributions of Indigenous and racialized artists to Canada's visual culture, the exhibition offered a compelling backdrop for an evening centred on creative expression, representation and exchange.

Throughout the evening, guests gathered among the works, reconnecting with familiar faces, making new introductions and exchanging perspectives on artistic practice, exhibitions and opportunities across borders.

For 96 West Arts, these moments of connection speak directly to the organisation's purpose: to champion Canadian visual arts professionals internationally, foster meaningful relationships and strengthen the networks that support Canadian creativity beyond its borders.

While Frieze Week offers a remarkable concentration of artistic activity, it also presents an opportunity to recognise the people and relationships behind it. The evening was a reminder of the breadth of Canada's creative community abroad, and the importance of creating spaces in which its many voices, disciplines and experiences can come together.

We extend our sincere thanks to the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, particularly Caitlin Workman, Gabriel and the entire Canada House team, for their generous hospitality and collaboration in bringing the reception to life.

Our gratitude also goes to everyone who joined us, whether based in London or visiting for the week, and contributed to the wonderfully convivial spirit of the occasion.

We look forward to building on the conversations and connections made, and continuing to celebrate the presence and impact of Canadian visual arts on the international stage.

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Looking the World in the Face is presented at the Canada Gallery, Canada House, London, from 14 October 2026 to 1 May 2027.

Photography: Hannah Goldsmith | @goldsmith_studio | www.hannahgoldsmith.com

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