With Isuma’s multi-site installation at the Canada Pavilion, the National Gallery of Canada Foundation announced a major gift of one million dollars from The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation toward the Canadian Artists in Venice Endowment on May 7, 2019. The donation will aid in supporting future Canadian representation at the Venice Biennale through the production of an exhibition by a selected artist.
“Building a sustainable financial strategy for our artists at the Venice Biennale is so important to their performance and focus,” explained Carol Weinbaum. “We are delighted to make this gift and very excited to see Canada’s artists shining among the best.”
The Canadian Artists in Venice Endowment provides biannual financial support to artists like Isuma who are selected to represent the country at the Venice Biennale. The Endowment was established in 2015 from founding gifts by the Donald R. Sobey Family Foundation and the Koerner Foundation.
In recognition of the gift, the NGC has renamed one of its many contemporary art exhibition spaces the Galerie Weinbaum Family Gallery, where the sculptures Nunali (1988-89) by Jackoposie Oopakak (1948-2015), Shaman Beckoning Spirits (2004) by Abraham Anghik Ruben and Shaman's Catch (2012) by Billy Gauthier are currently mounted. The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation has an established history of supporting visual art in Canada, including pervious contributions to the Canada Pavilion.
“This generous gift will enable Canadian artists to stand out at one of the most important contemporary art exhibitions in the world. We are particularly excited about featuring Isuma in Venice this year—the first art exhibition presented in the newly restored Canada Pavilion,” newly appointed Director and CEO Dr. Alexandra Suda added.