Since 1975 The Nova Scotia Art Bank Program has encouraged the development of artistic excellence, and stimulated awareness of visual arts and fine craft among Nova Scotians and visitors. This has been achieved through the acquisition of a working collection of contemporary Nova Scotian art.

Annually, Nova Scotian artists are invited to submit their artwork for consideration through the Art Bank Purchase Program. A peer assessment committee of professional Nova Scotian artists selects artworks from those submissions.

Following acquisition, artworks are exhibited in government offices and agencies where they are viewed by government officials, public servants and the public. Comprised of close to 2,400 works of art, most of the collection is on display in public spaces throughout the province.

In 2020 and 2021 work from forty-two artists from across Nova Scotia whose work was selected by two peer assessment committees in two consecutive iterations of the Nova Scotia Art Bank Purchase Program.

Recent purchases

Purchased

For Artists

Artists looking to have their work considered for purchase by the art bank can review the Art Bank requirements and application details:

For Offices and Agencies

The Art Bank is currently working at a reduced capacity due to staff availability. We are only able to respond to requests for removal and extensions for existing loans. If you are enquiring about artwork removal, please fill out the form below.

Request to remove or relocate artwork(s) due to renovations or a move form 

  • Please contact ArtBank@NovaScotia.ca for questions. Please note that this inbox is only monitored on a weekly basis. It may take 1-2 weeks to receive a response