For much of its history, NL had a vibrant oral culture, but no visual culture to speak of. Starting in the 1920s a group of women and men tried to change that by campaigning for an art gallery that would foster Newfoundland art. Their hopes were realized with the creation of the Memorial University Art Gallery. The MUN gallery supporting artists by buying and exhibiting their art, and educated viewers through exhibiting the work of both local and mainland artists. The MUN Art Gallery became a key player in the province’s culture industry, and the site of struggle between strong willed and passionate characters.
In his lecture, Dr. Jeff Webb of Memorial’s Department of History will discuss his recent book The Cause of Art: Professionalizing the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador and the tensions between the gallery’s curators, government, and recreational painters.
Thursday – October 30, 2025 @ 7:30 pm (NT) / 7:00 (AT)
In-Person: Memorial University, A1043
Free Parking in Lot 15B
To view lecture: Five Curators: A History of the Memorial University Art Gallery