"The Inc." Gateway to the Arts in Hamilton

Thanks to ArcelorMittal Dofasco and the Corporate Community Investment Fund, Hamilton Artists Inc has a new visual arts facility in the heart of the city's downtown arts district.

Nicknamed “The Inc”, Hamilton Artists Inc is artist run centre committed to the presentation of Canadian contemporary visual arts practices which speaks to and enhances Hamilton's art community. The Inc also addresses the social and professional needs of artists through workshops, lectures and our dedicated Members’ Gallery.

With support from partners in the private, corporate and public sectors a new home for the thirty-six year old public gallery was opened on October 7th. Featuring two exhibit spaces, a courtyard and a prominent facade on which to display public-facing installation work, The Inc is now better able to provide an accessible and inclusive forum that reflects the diverse community in which we live.

Situated on the corner of James Street North and Cannon Street, this new art centre acts as gateway to a revitalized area of downtown Hamilton that is flourishing as a Mecca of cultural activity.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco's dedication to our city and arts heritage is shared by our all of our members and volunteers, and together we have made a positive and significant impact for our community now and for generations of artists to come.

The Inc has been very busy since the dream of this new building has been achieved. In conjunction with the opening of the new facility is the exhibition “4 from 6, 4 Artists from Six Nations”, curated by Shelly Niro and featuring the work of Brenda Mitten, Tracey Anthony, Jay Carrier, and Elliott Graham Doxtater-Wynn, and also featured a catalogue launch and panel discussion on Saturday the 8th.

The Inc.’s Members’ Gallery is presenting "Igniting the Archive, an Activated History of Hamilton Artists Inc." and features community-contributed photos, posters and other documents from the organization's rich history. The Centre has also presented a media arts symposium that involved film screenings and public workshops. With participation in events such as the tourist-attracting Art Crawl, thousands of people have seen the new building and the reactions have been enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive.

The Inc is located at 155 James Street North.