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July 30.2025

2 Minutes Read

Vancouver Art Gallery's New Fundraising Head Marks a Turning Point Amid Building Ambitions

Portrait of a young woman symbolizing Vancouver Art Gallery fundraising efforts.

New Leadership for a New Era

The Vancouver Art Gallery is making waves with the appointment of Jackie Graham as its new Senior Director of Development. Tasked with revitalizing fundraising efforts, Graham’s extensive background in both local and international fundraising is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the gallery during a crucial phase marked by financial instability.

Challenges and Changes Ahead

Graham's role comes at a pivotal time for the gallery, which has grappled with significant budget cuts and recent layoffs in a bid to stabilize operations. Moving forward, her focus will be on securing major gifts, progressing on capital campaigns, and nurturing community partnerships that will be vital for the gallery's thriving future.

Bridging a Fundraising Gap

With prior experience at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, Graham proved her mettle by expanding donor bases and securing substantial sponsorships. Her expertise is expected to help navigate the current challenges by establishing a strong philanthropic foundation for the gallery, vital for upcoming projects, particularly the long-anticipated new building.

The Vision for a New Home

The gallery’s goal of creating a new, expansive home took a hit when construction was halted due to soaring costs, which have now escalated to $600 million—50% more than initial estimates. In response, the previous design by Herzog & de Meuron was scrapped, signaling a fresh start as the gallery invites Canadian firms to submit new proposals. The selection of a new design is ongoing, suggesting an exciting future awaits once the right vision aligns with the budget.

Looking Ahead

As the Vancouver Art Gallery gears up for its next chapter, the integration of Graham's dynamic fundraising approach alongside its ambitious building goals will undoubtedly shape the institution’s landscape. With updates on the redesign anticipated in Fall 2025, the community’s involvement will be crucial to breathe new life into the art scene in Vancouver.

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