Since 2002, PIA’s model of collective philanthropy has funded bold, innovative, contemporary arts projects to champion thoughtful perspectives on our world and drive social change. 

What do we do

PIA actively collaborates with Canadian curators, educators, art organizations and museums. Having raised over $6.1 million and supported over 146 different projects, PIA focuses on funding projects featuring contemporary artists with challenging works. Annual member donations, fundraising events and public donations make PIA’s work possible. See all partners and projects in PIA’s Project Database.

Our Story

Partners in Art was founded in 2002 by 12 women who wanted to bring an entrepreneurial, collaborative approach to fundraising for the arts in Toronto and in the process learn more about contemporary art 

Prior to 2002 all of PIA’s founding members were part of the AGO’s Junior Committee and subsequent AGO Associates, a group whose members volunteered at the AGO and whose primary goal was to educate its members about art and raise funds for the acquisition of artworks for the AGO’s permanent collection. As a result of working and learning together, a number of people on this committee decided that they could create a philanthropic independent group on their own, capable of supporting a variety of arts organizations in addition to the AGO.

After consulting with leaders in Canada’s visual arts scene, their vision took shape. Their main goals were to support art organizations in realizing dream projects, and to learn more about contemporary art. Their approach was to raise money, assess which collaborative projects to invest in, and make sure there were education opportunities for members and the general public. Challenging projects were welcome and they committed to making funding decisions quickly. Partners in Art was born.

“Commissioned by PIA, LandMarks2017/Repères2017 was a pivotal moment in my practice. Art is one way to critically contemplate the conditions of society, and this series of projects by 12 artists was impressive and necessary to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial. The photographs from my project, entitled Long View, have been reworked for the façade of the National Gallery of Canada, currently on view until Spring 2026.”

Jin-me Yoon
Visual Artist

“We are immensely grateful for Partner’s in Art’s support for the creation of an original work by Anila Agha Quayyum for the Aga Khan Museum’s Light: Visionary Perspectives exhibition. Through the generosity of PIA, Quayyum created A Thousand Silent Moments (Rain Forest) – a unique, immersive installation inspired by works from our permanent collection. We are proud to be able to be the first venue to display a work by Anila Agha Quayyum in Canada and thrilled to see how this work continues to enthrall and inspire our visitors.”

Marianne Fenton, Special Projects Curator, and Bita Pourvash, Associate Curator
The Aga Khan Museum

“Partners in Art provides valuable funding to help realize a variety of compelling contemporary art projects across Canada. We are very grateful for the contributions PIA has made to a number of projects at MOCA Toronto in recent years, meaningfully supporting the museum’s commissioning programme, which works closely with artists to provide them with opportunities to explore and expand their practice while also delivering unique, site-specific experiences for audiences.”

Kathleen Bartels
Executive Director & CEO, MOCA

“Partners in Art has demonstrated exceptional commitment to highlighting Canadian artists on the world stage. Since its inception, PIA has offered invaluable support to Canada’s representation at the Venice Biennale and the National Gallery of Canada’s commitment to providing Canadian artists with a platform to exhibit their work and receive global recognition. This exposure not only benefits the artists themselves but also serves to showcase the diversity and richness of Canada’s arts scene to the rest of the world. The National Gallery of Canada and the National Gallery of Canada Foundation are privileged to collaborate with such a devoted, passionate, and generous organization as PIA.”

Lisa Turcotte
Chief Executive Officer, National Gallery of Canada Foundation