Since 1998, we have showcased more than 700 Emerging Artists

Eventually, 11 young graffiti artists joined Pat to work out of a makeshift studio in that same garage in Elmwood. They prepared for their first public showing of their graffiti-on-canvas and 3 months later, on the September long weekend, at the music festival at The Forks, they premiered the first ever graffiti style art exhibition. It was an astounding success. Not only did the studio sell 6 paintings, but the people that they met served as a foundation for a network of support that the gallery still enjoys today.

Following the success of the first exhibit, it was decided that there was not only interest in what was being done, but also a willing and supportive consumer market for this style of art. In January of 1999, the gallery moved to its current location at 109 Higgins Avenue. Later that year, in April, to a standing room only crowd, the Graffiti Gallery had its official grand opening.

Mission: 

Graffiti Art Programming Inc. facilitates low barrier youth-led community programming in the North End and Downtown of Winnipeg that promotes social engagement through the arts. 

Vision: 

All youth have equitable opportunities to participate in determining their future and the future of their communities. 

We believe in, and operate under, the following Core Values: 

Trauma Informed - We recognize the impacts of intergenerational trauma caused by the past and on-going harms of colonialism and we are committed to taking a trauma-informed approach when communicating, acting and responding to our community. This means prioritizing safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. 

Community - We recognize that a network of community partners working together is necessary to offer the wrap-around support that is needed by the young people in our community. Fostering true connection and a sense of belonging is at the heart of this collaboration. 

Accountable - We recognize as a community organization that we are accountable to one another and our community and are prepared to offer transparency in our actions and policies, while honoring participant confidentiality. 

Inclusive - We acknowledge and respect others' lived experiences, background and identifies, and are committed to upholding an inclusive culture within our organization. 

Reconciliation - We work to bring awareness to the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action and take an active role in reconciliation.