FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has launched collectionArtNB, a new website showcasing the provincial art collection.

“It is important that we support our artists and make their works accessible to the public,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace. “The website provides our artists with more visibility, not just on a provincial scale, but globally, while maintaining professional exhibition standards.”

Like other provincial and territorial art collections, the collection is of original artwork presented in public spaces such as government buildings, public schools and online. The department is the caretaker of the collection and works on behalf of the arts community to leverage its visibility and increase public awareness of artists living in New Brunswick.

The collection includes 960 pieces that have been acquired over more than 50 years and represents 124 artists. The website features biographies of the artists and will be updated as new works are acquired.

“This website visually showcases our province’s rich culture, heritage and diversity,” said Scott-Wallace. “I encourage everyone to explore the collection and learn something new about our exceptional artists.”

Created in 1968 as one of the first art banks in Canada, the collection celebrates and recognizes artistic excellence in New Brunswick.