Gallery Gachet | Lacey Prize
The National Gallery of Canada and the Naomi and John Lacey Family announced the recipients of the inaugural Lacey Prize in recognition ofartist-run centres in Canada. Gallery Gachet was awarded the Lacey Prize as runner-up.
“Gallery Gachet is honoured to be among the recipients of the inaugural Lacey Prize,” shared programming manager, Kendra Place, in a statement. “As a meaningful contribution to the art communities of Gallery Gachet, the Lacey Prize will allow us to offer more culturally-relevant and accessible professional opportunities for artists and art workers whose practices build resilience within and beyond the gallery’s neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on the unceded and occupied territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh Nations.”
The Gallery Gachet collective and board includes alumni Pierre Leichner (BFA 2007), Haisla Collins (BFA 2007), Bernadine Fox (BFA 2001), and Quin Martins (BFA 2018) as well as other members Bruce Ray, Erin Altomare, Tchavdar (Chav) Petkov, Karen Irving, Stella Castell, and William Pope.
“Established in 2019, the Lacey Prize responds to an urgent need to recognize and celebrate the activities and impact of small arts organizations and artist-run spaces in Canada — in particular their contributions to emerging and experimental practices, and the critical role they play to foster artists and art within their local communities. Artist-run centres are often the first places to offer emerging artists an opportunity and space in which to exhibit their work. The Lacey Prize reflects the National Gallery of Canada’s and Dr. Lacey’s strong belief that artist-run centres are the lifeblood of Canada’s art ecosystem.” – National Gallery of Canada
Gallery Gachet is an artist-run centre located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on the unceded and occupied territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh Nations. Gallery Gachet supports artists and offers art programs that address mental health and socio-political marginalization, promoting art as a means of survival, healing, and human rights.