If we go back even just a few 100 years ago, the documentation of artistic methodology was not seen as a priority. Before the modern era, most artists were commissioned to create work for patrons. They saw little to no need to document their methods, materials or inspirations. However, as the art world became more democratized and accessible to a wider audience, the need for documentation rose. Fast-forward to today: artist legacies are being much better preserved, especially with digital tools now available for the purposes of documentation and distribution. This is the Canadian Arts digital transformation.

We had the privilege to work with Art Canada Institute not too long ago with the above mandate. ACI is the only national institution promoting the study of an inclusive multi-vocal Canadian art history to as wide an audience as possible. ACI does so in both English and French, within Canada and internationally.

The ACI works with more than 50 of Canada’s leading art historians, curators, and visual culture experts dedicated to creating authoritative original content on the people, themes, and topics that are significant for defining Canadian art history. Art Collision has had the opportunity to work directly with Art Canada Institute in 2019 with the focus of documenting the work of two artists.