PEI Art Bank Acquisition

For professional visual artists on Prince Edward Island, having work purchased for a public collection can provide both meaningful income and long-term exposure. The PEI Art Bank Acquisition Program offers that opportunity by purchasing contemporary artworks from Island artists and placing them in government buildings across the province, where they are seen daily by the public. Managed by Innovation PEI, the program focuses on showcasing the vitality and evolving nature of PEI’s visual arts community rather than building a traditional museum-style collection.

Through this program, selected works are acquired directly from artists, with funding varying depending on the piece and available budget. Artworks in the collection are displayed in spaces such as libraries, health centres, and Access PEI locations, helping raise awareness of local artists while supporting professional practice. Selection is guided by a peer assessment process that looks at artistic quality, craftsmanship, and suitability for public display, ensuring the collection reflects the depth and diversity of visual arts on the Island.

The program runs periodic calls for submissions and is currently preparing for an upcoming application window. While not every submission results in a purchase, being considered for the PEI Art Bank can be an important step for artists looking to strengthen their professional profile and generate revenue from completed work. Exploring the full program details can help determine whether this acquisition opportunity aligns with your artistic goals.