Province adds 22 works of art to permanent collection

Press Release

May 19, 2026

collectionArtNB celebrates voices and perspectives that shape New Brunswick’s identity

FREDERICTON – The province’s art collection, collectionArtNB, has added 22 works of visual art, including six created by four Indigenous artists.

“Through the acquisitions process, collectionArtNB helps ensure the richness and diversity of artistic expression in New Brunswick is reflected in our provincial collection,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault. “By investing in art created here at home, we are strengthening our cultural sector and celebrating the voices and perspectives that define who we are as New Brunswickers.”

Established in 1968, collectionArtNB is a permanent collection totalling nearly 1,000 works of art. A peer assessment committee selects works by professional contemporary New Brunswick artists for acquisition about every two years. This collection also includes art commissioned through the New Brunswick Public Art Policy as part of the construction of new government buildings.

“Our department is proud to support the funding for Indigenous art acquisitions through collectionArtNB,” said Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson. “Ensuring stronger Indigenous representation in our public collections is important, and I am pleased to see their work recognized and celebrated through this important initiative.”

Earlier this year, professional New Brunswick artists were invited to submit artwork for acquisition. Artists from all communities were encouraged to participate.

The new acquisitions are:

·         Audrey Arseanault – Bemiajiuliaq (Hope will carry us forward each day) (2026)

·         Amy Ash – Listening With the Whole Body (2023)

·         Amanda Dawn Christie – Étude corporelle No. 47: Funnelling (2025); Étude corporelle No. 1: Polyps in the Flank of Volcanic Maat (2025); Étude corporelle No. 2: Volcanic Domes and Sonograms (2025)

·         Julie D’Amour-Léger – Pêche au hareng à la senne (2021); Pêche au maquereau (2021)

·         Darren Emenau – Kolk 3 (2026)

·         Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux – Maple I (Kjipuktuk / Halifax) (2023)

·         Julie Forgues – T/h/reading glaciers II – Svalbard (2024)

·         Tara Francis – Fire Ship Clutch Purse (2026); Green Turtle (2024)

·         Jay Isaac – Pitch Assembling 15 (2023)

·         Natalie Légère – Bird of Paradise (2020)

·         Theresa MacKnight – The Deal (2022)

·         Raymond Martin – Visiter grand-mère (2022)

·         Shane Perley-Dutcher – Strawberry (2025); Pisonut (2025)

·         Sylvie Pilotte – Garde partagée (2025)

·         Natasha Sacobie – Quilled Ostrich Fan (2024)

·         Anna Torma – Lucy (2023)

·         Jennifer Wiebe – Decolonize (2022)

The collection was established in 1968 to preserve, support and celebrate the rich and diverse visual arts of New Brunswick. It is one of the oldest publicly funded art collections in Canada, predating the creation of the Canada Council Art Bank by four years.

The new acquisitions will be shown at cultural centres around the province beginning in September.

Media Contact(s)

Diana Chávez, communications, Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, diana.chavez2@gnb.ca.

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