A BRIEF HISTORY

The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation is unique. This Foundation can trace its inception to the early 1900's with the bequest of artworks from several individuals and organizations to The City of Calgary's Museum and Art Gallery (1911-1927). In 1928 the Museum and Art Gallery became the Calgary Public Museum, but closed its doors in 1935. The art collection was then moved to the Calgary Public Library and some of the art eventually went on to Coste House. In 1946, the Calgary Allied Arts Council was formed to administer the Coste House as an arts centre, including the collection of artworks.

In 1960, to handle the growing number of programs and activities, the Calgary Allied Arts Council moved to larger quarters at 830-9 Avenue, SW. Through the generosity of its members and donors the property was purchased from the Union Tractor Co. The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation was established in that year as a registered society to hold the title to the property and as trustee to the Art Collection.

In 1969 due to financial difficulties, the Calgary Allied Arts Council closed the Calgary Allied Arts Centre and dissolved itself. The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation remained in existence and since 1970 has dedicated efforts to rebuild the Civic Arts Collection through the generosity of a number of Calgary artists who left bequests to CAAF for the purchase of artwork.


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