Outworks Gallery: An Artist Run Centre

 

Outworks Gallery was an artist-run centre in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District featuring studio and exhibition space. Outworks formed as a collective of Winnipeg-based artists sharing ideas and working together in the spirit of collaboration and opportunity. The group included painters, photographers, ceramists, and multi-media artists.
Outworks was realized by the hard work and dedication of several local artists who were interested in creating a space to make and show art. Outworks was run with profits obtained via fundraising activities and funds obtained through regular, membership fees and donations from its founding members. all work in the gallery was done strictly on a volunteer basis.
The gallery and studio space was available for rent.

 

This was their website.
Content is from the site's 2007 - 2010 archived pages.

3rd flr 290 McDermot Ave
Winnipeg
Manitiba
Canada

 

 

As an avid art enthusiast and a visitor to Outworks Gallery, I can't help but commend the remarkable efforts of this artist-run collective in showcasing Winnipeg's vibrant artistic community. This gallery has truly become a cultural beacon, radiating its influence far beyond the city's boundaries and captivating visitors from around the world.

While exploring the diverse exhibits, I've had the pleasure of engaging with art enthusiasts from the UK, Germany, Japan, Spain, and countless other countries, each seeking a glimpse into the creative soul of Winnipeg. One particular exhibition that left an indelible mark was the showcase dedicated to superheroes from various cultures. It was fascinating to witness how Batman, a beloved icon of popular culture, stood out as a universally recognized figure, transcending cultural boundaries, highlighting his international popularity, and resonating with visitors from all walks of life.

However, the true sense of pride emanates from the local artists themselves. Their dedication and tireless efforts to not only create captivating works of art but also to raise funds and volunteer their time, ensuring that Outworks Gallery remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression, is truly commendable. It is this unwavering commitment that has allowed the gallery to thrive, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talent and engage with a diverse audience.

As I wander through the hallowed halls of Outworks Gallery, I am struck by the palpable energy and passion that permeates every corner. It is a testament to the power of art to unite people from all backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and enriching our collective human experience. This artist-run collective stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when creativity, collaboration, and community come together in perfect harmony. [Simone Wi]

 

 

Outworks Gallery: A Cultural Beacon in Winnipeg’s Exchange District

Outworks Gallery, nestled in the heart of Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, has been a cornerstone of artistic expression and collaboration. This artist-run centre emerged as a collective effort of local artists, driven by a shared vision to create a dynamic space for art creation and exhibition.

Historical Background of the Exchange District

The Exchange District is a National Historic Site of Canada, located in the downtown area of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Spanning about twenty city blocks with approximately 150 heritage buildings, it stands as a testament to early 20th century architectural styles, featuring warehouses, financial institutions, and terracotta-clad skyscrapers. The area's name originates from its role as the centre of grain and wholesale trade in Canada, particularly the Winnipeg Grain Exchange, which flourished between 1881 and 1918. During this period, Winnipeg experienced rapid growth, becoming known as the 'Chicago of the North', and serving as a gateway to Canada's West. However, World War I and the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 led to a decline in the city’s prominence as a wholesale centre, shifting the focus of development to other regions.

Evolution of Winnipeg’s Art and Cultural Scene

Winnipeg has long been recognized for its vibrant arts and culture, significantly influenced by its historical development. The city's architecture, heavily influenced by the Chicago style, stands as a physical representation of its cultural evolution. The Exchange District itself, once the hub of commerce, transformed into a cultural centre, housing art galleries, specialty retailers, and various cultural events. Institutions like the Union Bank Building, Canada's oldest skyscraper, and the vibrant North End, with its multicultural and historical murals, illustrate the city's rich artistic heritage. The University of Manitoba’s School of Architecture has also played a significant role in shaping the city's architectural landscape. Moreover, Winnipeg's music scene has been a breeding ground for notable acts, and the city is home to several acclaimed filmmakers, contributing to a diverse and dynamic cultural milieu.

The Impact of Outworks Gallery

Outworks Gallery’s influence extended beyond its walls, playing a significant role in Winnipeg’s art scene. As a collaborative and inclusive space, it fostered artistic expression, experimentation, and growth among emerging and established artists. The gallery’s events and exhibitions became a hub for the local arts community, contributing to the cultural vitality of the Exchange District. Its presence underscored the importance of artist-run centres in nurturing and sustaining local art ecosystems.

Outworks Gallery, through its commitment to artistic collaboration and community engagement, embodied the spirit of Winnipeg's rich cultural history. It stood as a beacon in the Exchange District, a reminder of the city’s evolving art scene and the enduring power of collective artistic endeavors. The legacy of Outworks Gallery continues to inspire and influence the art community in Winnipeg, reflecting the city's ongoing journey as a centre of cultural innovation and artistic expression.

 

About Outworks Gallery

Outworks was realized by the hard work and dedication of several local artists who were interested in creating a space to make and show art. outworks is run with profits obtained via fundraising activities and funds obtained through regular, membership fees and donations from its founding members. all work in the gallery is done strictly on a volunteer basis.

At present Outworks full members, also comprising the board of directors, are president Jordan Miller, vice president Dominika Dratwa, secretary/treasurer Pete Grunwald, and members at large Jennifer Delos Reyes, Rahim, Delaney Earthdancer, Clyde Finlay, Sarah Johnston, Aleem Kahn, Darryn Nimchuk, Karen Wardle and Jessica Perry.

 

Looking to join an artist run collective?

Written by Outworks Gallery
Sunday, 29 April 2007
Outworks gallery is looking for more artists to join our collective: Access to over 5,000 square feet 24/7 days a week, plus solo/group shows for $130 per month. Contact us if interested or download our member application from the menu. *Please note: There may be a waiting list.

Our opening receptions are always a hit.  Come join the local arts community and celebrate the share local talent culture in Winnipeg's growing Art community.  Don't forget to sign the guestbook!  Outworks opening receptions are always free of charge with snacks, beverages, music and a cash bar.

~~~~~~

2010 Current Shows and Events:

Written by Outworks Gallery   
Sunday, 07 November 2010

A Member and Friends Exhibition

Opening November 12 at 7:30 

Also open November 12- 29th Thursday-Saturday from 12-4pm or when the signboard is out.

Doppelganger

From November 12 – 29, 2010, Outworks gallery proudly presents "Doppelganger",  an art exhibition featuring Outworks members and friends.  A doppelganger is any double or lookalike of a person.  The term is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision.  Doppelganger could relate to a virtual persona such as those used on facebook, online dating, or gaming. 

The show includes painting, drawing and sculpture by artists Karen Wardle, Clyde Finlay, Lisa Bissett, Susan Birdwise, Jan Laidlaw, Christine Fleischmann Seaver, Jordan Miller, Nora Kobrinsky, Lana Winfield, and Connie Chappel.   

Outworks Gallery is committed to the creative development and exhibition of contemporary artists including emerging and student artists.
For more information contact:
Outworks Gallery
3rd floor-290 McDermot Avenue
phone 949-0274
[email protected]
www.outworksgallery.com

 

Gallery Layout

 

More Background On OutworksGallery.com

 

OutworksGallery.com preserves the digital record of a distinctive and influential artist-run centre that operated in Winnipeg, Manitoba during the late 2000s. Though modest in scale, Outworks Gallery played an outsized role in nurturing creative collaboration, supporting emerging artists, and reinforcing the Exchange District’s identity as a living cultural ecosystem rather than a purely historic enclave. The website stands today as an archival snapshot of a volunteer-driven arts initiative that reflected both the strengths and challenges of grassroots cultural production in a mid-sized Canadian city.

This article provides a comprehensive examination of OutworksGallery.com and the physical gallery it represented, exploring its origins, governance, funding model, exhibitions, audience, cultural impact, and continuing legacy within Winnipeg’s arts community.

Origins and Founding Vision

Outworks Gallery was founded as an artist-run centre, a model deeply embedded in Canadian contemporary art culture. Rather than being administered by curators, commercial dealers, or institutional boards, Outworks was conceived and operated by practicing artists who shared responsibility for governance, programming, fundraising, and day-to-day operations.

The founding vision was pragmatic yet idealistic: to create an affordable, flexible space where artists could make work, exhibit it publicly, and exchange ideas without the constraints of commercial gallery expectations. The collective included painters, photographers, ceramists, and multimedia artists, reflecting a deliberately broad and inclusive definition of artistic practice.

Outworks emerged at a time when Winnipeg’s downtown core—particularly the Exchange District—was undergoing renewed cultural revitalization. Artists were increasingly drawn to repurposed warehouse spaces that offered large square footage, industrial character, and comparatively low rent. Outworks positioned itself squarely within this movement, both physically and philosophically.

Location and Physical Setting

The gallery was located at:

3rd Floor, 290 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

This address placed Outworks in the heart of the Exchange District, a nationally recognized historic area known for its early 20th-century warehouse architecture and its transformation into a hub for arts, culture, and creative industries.

Being situated on an upper floor was typical of artist-run centres in the area. While less visible than street-level galleries, such spaces fostered a sense of discovery and community among visitors willing to seek them out. The building itself provided the raw, adaptable environment artists favored: open layouts, high ceilings, and flexible walls suitable for exhibitions, studios, and events.

The Exchange District’s walkability meant Outworks was in close proximity to other galleries, performance venues, cafés, and cultural institutions, allowing it to function as part of a larger artistic circuit rather than an isolated destination.

Organizational Structure and Ownership

Outworks Gallery was collectively owned and governed by its members. There was no external proprietor, corporate sponsor, or parent institution. Instead, full members served simultaneously as artists, administrators, and board members.

At various points, the board of directors included roles such as president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, and members-at-large. These positions were filled by practicing artists who volunteered their time in addition to maintaining their own creative practices.

This governance model emphasized shared responsibility and transparency. Decisions about exhibitions, finances, space usage, and membership were made collectively, reinforcing the gallery’s ethos of collaboration over hierarchy.

Funding Model and Sustainability

Outworks Gallery operated entirely on a non-profit, volunteer basis. Its funding came from a combination of:

  • Membership fees paid by artist members

  • Fundraising activities and events

  • Donations from founding and participating artists

  • Rental fees for studio and exhibition space

There were no paid staff. All administrative work—including exhibition installation, event coordination, communications, and maintenance—was handled by volunteers from within the collective.

This model allowed Outworks to keep costs low and maintain artistic autonomy, but it also required constant effort and commitment from its members. Sustainability depended not on external grants or commercial sales, but on the collective’s willingness to continually reinvest time, energy, and modest financial resources.

Studio and Exhibition Space

One of Outworks’ defining features was its dual role as both studio space and exhibition venue. Members had access to over 5,000 square feet of space, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This access was especially valuable for artists balancing creative work with other employment or obligations.

The gallery space itself was adaptable, accommodating solo exhibitions, group shows, and member-and-friends exhibitions. Installations often reflected the experimental nature of the collective, incorporating painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

The availability of affordable studio access, combined with guaranteed exhibition opportunities, made Outworks particularly attractive to emerging artists and students seeking professional experience without prohibitive costs.

Exhibitions and Programming

Outworks Gallery maintained an active exhibition schedule, featuring both member artists and invited participants. Shows ranged from tightly curated thematic exhibitions to more open, community-oriented presentations.

One notable example was “Doppelganger,” a member-and-friends exhibition that explored ideas of identity, doubling, and self-representation. The exhibition engaged contemporary themes such as online personas, social media profiles, gaming avatars, and the psychological sensation of seeing oneself reflected or duplicated.

Artists working across multiple disciplines participated, underscoring the gallery’s commitment to diversity of form and concept. Exhibitions like this demonstrated how Outworks functioned as a laboratory for ideas rather than a venue constrained by commercial expectations.

Opening Receptions and Community Engagement

Opening receptions were a cornerstone of Outworks’ community presence. These events were intentionally inclusive and accessible:

  • Free admission

  • Snacks and beverages

  • Music and social atmosphere

  • A cash bar to support fundraising

These openings attracted not only artists but also students, collectors, neighborhood residents, and visitors from outside Winnipeg. The emphasis was on social exchange as much as visual engagement, reinforcing the gallery’s role as a gathering place.

Visitors were encouraged to sign a guestbook, leaving behind a record of the gallery’s reach and the diversity of its audience. Over time, these entries reflected an international mix of attendees, suggesting that Outworks had become a cultural stop for travelers interested in Winnipeg’s creative scene.

Audience and Reach

While Outworks Gallery was rooted firmly in Winnipeg, its audience extended beyond local boundaries. Visitors included:

  • Local artists and art students

  • Residents of the Exchange District

  • Tourists exploring Winnipeg’s cultural offerings

  • International visitors from Europe and Asia

The gallery’s exhibitions often resonated across cultural lines, particularly when addressing universally recognizable themes or imagery. For example, exhibitions incorporating global pop culture references demonstrated how local artistic expression could intersect with shared international symbols.

This cross-cultural engagement reinforced the idea that artist-run centres, even small ones, can participate meaningfully in global conversations when grounded in authentic creative practice.

Cultural and Social Significance

Outworks Gallery exemplified the importance of artist-run centres within Canada’s cultural landscape. Such spaces provide opportunities that commercial galleries and large institutions often cannot:

  • Risk-taking and experimentation

  • Support for emerging and student artists

  • Peer-driven critique and mentorship

  • Community-based programming

In Winnipeg, where geographic distance from larger art markets can present challenges, Outworks played a crucial role in sustaining local momentum. It demonstrated that cultural vitality does not require large budgets or formal recognition, but rather commitment, collaboration, and shared purpose.

The gallery also contributed to the ongoing transformation of the Exchange District from a historic commercial zone into a living cultural neighborhood.

Press, Media, and Public Perception

Outworks Gallery did not rely heavily on mainstream media coverage. Instead, its visibility came through word-of-mouth, community networks, and its online presence. OutworksGallery.com served as the central hub for announcements, exhibition details, and membership information.

This understated approach aligned with the gallery’s ethos: prioritizing substance over promotion and community engagement over branding. While this may have limited broader public recognition, it strengthened the gallery’s credibility within artist networks.

The Website as an Archive

OutworksGallery.com now functions primarily as an archival record, preserving content from approximately 2007 to 2010. The site documents exhibitions, calls for membership, organizational statements, and reflections from visitors.

As an archive, the website is valuable not only to former members but also to researchers, curators, and historians interested in artist-run culture, grassroots arts funding, and Winnipeg’s creative history.

The tone and structure of the site reflect early web practices of the period: straightforward navigation, text-driven content, and a focus on documentation rather than marketing.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although Outworks Gallery no longer operates as an active physical space, its legacy persists in several ways:

  • Former members continue to contribute to Winnipeg’s arts scene

  • The model it embodied remains influential among artist-run initiatives

  • Its archived website provides a template for collective organization

  • It serves as a case study in sustainable, volunteer-driven cultural production

Outworks demonstrated that even temporary or small-scale initiatives can leave lasting impressions when rooted in genuine collaboration and artistic integrity.

~~~

OutworksGallery.com captures the story of a gallery that was never about prestige or profit, but about possibility. It tells of artists who pooled resources, shared labor, and opened their doors to the public in order to create something meaningful together.

In doing so, Outworks Gallery strengthened Winnipeg’s cultural fabric, contributed to the Exchange District’s renaissance, and affirmed the enduring value of artist-run spaces. Its website remains a testament to what can be achieved when creativity, community, and commitment align.

 

OutworksGallery.com