As a non-profit, public art gallery, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery exhibits, collects and interprets art with a particular focus on the contemporary artwork of Canadian Aboriginal and Northwestern Ontario artists. The Gallery advances the relationship between artists, their art, and the public, nurturing a life-long appreciation of contemporary visual arts among residents of, and visitors to Thunder Bay. As the sole public art gallery in Northwestern Ontario, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery: - presents exhibitions of artistic and educational value to enhance the visual arts experience of the people of Northwestern Ontario; - supports and effects the development of contemporary Canadian artists with a particular focus on (but not limited to) contemporary Aboriginal artists and artists from Northwestern Ontario; - builds and enlivens a collection of art focused on the work of contemporary Canadian Aboriginal artists and the most innovative work of Northwestern Ontario artists; - programs enhancement and outreach activities in order to build audience, increase reception, and expand understanding of the visual arts.