Growing up in the suburbs of Calgary, my weekend excursions didn't often involve gallery hops or stumbling upon the next groundbreaking artist. The vibrant art market that hums through cities like New York, London, and Paris felt a world away. For many of us, getting a foothold in this industry can be a trickier path, marked by a lack of immediate access and visibility. Frankly, I didn't even truly understand that such a world existed, let alone how to access it. This early experience often felt like navigating a path where doors to the international art industry were rarely open, let alone visible.

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Yet, as I navigated my own journey into the art world – from studying in Edinburgh, Paris, and New York, to co-curating projects and working with incredible clients like Coca-Cola and Ruinart, I constantly met extraordinary Canadians. Artists, curators, administrators, gallerists, consultants, and so many more, contributing immensely across the global landscape. While Canada boasts fantastic individuals and organizations back home, there's often a feeling that the lines of communication and direct tangency to the international market, where many of us ultimately find ourselves, aren't as strong as they could be.

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This observation became the spark for 96 West Arts Collective. I founded this initiative as a way to nurture and accelerate Canada’s global presence in the art world, by championing the talented individuals who originate from our nation. It’s about more than just visibility; it’s about elevating voices through a shared sense of identity. As a mixed-race Canadian, I find immense pride in our country's mosaic of cultures and voices. Our differences are a source of unique strength, fostering a deep sense of community that I believe is truly Canadian.

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I can't count the times I've been at international art events, mentioned I'm Canadian, and the immediate response is, "Oh, do you know so-and-so? They're Canadian too!" Sometimes I do, but often, I don’t, and a quiet thought forms: I should. We should all have a built-in support system, a trusted circle.

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I am genuinely delighted to get this Collective started and look forward to connecting with so many of you. I truly believe in the collective element at our core; the growth and direction of this community should be dictated by the people involved – the very individuals it's here to support and bring together.

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Please get in touch, and let's chat!

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Aleya

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