About FAB Gallery

Mandate

The Fine Arts Building Gallery is the primary public venue dedicated to the presentation of current Art and Design research within the Department of Art & Design.

Through exhibitions, publications, and events FAB Gallery presents and activates the research and creative work of University of Alberta faculty, students, staff, visiting artists, curators, and scholars. FAB Gallery is a critical space and platform to engage the University of Alberta’s broad community through its exhibitions, programs, and events, furthering the University’s commitment to community collaboration.

FAB Gallery’s exhibition priorities are as follows:

  • Curatorially focused exhibitions presenting contemporary work, projects and research by professional artists and designers external to the Department of Art & Design.
  • Faculty driven research & research creation exhibitions with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and beyond.
  • Master of Fine Arts & Master of Design Thesis exhibitions (solo & group) and Bachelor of Fine Arts & Bachelor of Design graduate exhibitions (group)

About

The Fine Arts Building Gallery opened in 1987 and features over 3000 sqft (280m2) of exhibition space across two floors. Designed by architect Joe Naito, the gallery’s dramatic angles, brick and concrete construction, and prominent street facing windows are unique and memorable features of the space.

The gallery presents between 10-15 exhibitions annually and hosts over 15,000 visitors each year. The gallery is a valuable teaching resource and integral to the Master of Fine Arts Thesis program, providing many Department of Art & Design students with their first opportunities to present their work in a public space. Public presentation of work in FAB Gallery is an important professional development opportunity preparing students for involvement in the professional art and design community. FAB Gallery supports research assistantships and practicum based learning opportunities for students in the Department of Art & Design to develop hands-on, practical, and professional skills to support their future careers in the cultural sector.

Planning your visit

FAB Gallery is located in the north-west corner of the Fine Arts Building (rm FAB 1-01) on the University of Alberta’s North Campus. Exhibitions normally run September through June with new exhibitions opening roughly every six weeks during the academic year. Visitors should consult our current and upcoming exhibition start and end dates online as the gallery closes for installation activities between exhibitions and during University holidays, breaks and closures.

The gallery is conveniently located directly next to the main University ETS and LRT station on 112 street and 89 ave. The nearest accessible and barrier free entrance is located on the north side of the Fine Arts Building under the HUB/FAB pedway. Nearest on campus hourly parking is in Lot U or the Timms Centre underground parking. For ramp access to the second floor gallery please check in with gallery staff at our first floor main entrance and we will be happy to assist you further.

FAB Gallery is free to visit during our regular gallery hours. Backpacks and large bags, as well as food and drink are not permitted within our exhibition spaces.

Evening receptions are for University of Alberta students, staff, and invited guests.