Our story
Too many good shows, too few people knowing about them
In 2019, a group of gallery owners compared notes after a quiet First Friday. Every one of them had strong work on the walls, yet visitors kept saying the same thing: “We had no idea this was here.” Tourists walked past studios on their way to the harbour. Collectors heard about openings the week after. Agents in Vancouver and Toronto didn't know Victoria's emerging painters existed.
So we pooled our calendars. Art Galleries of Victoria began as a shared events list and a printed walk map. Today it's a full guide to the city's galleries, with artist profiles that help collectors buy with confidence and help agents and juries spot talent early.
We care because a thriving local art scene keeps artists working here, in the place that inspires them. When a visitor buys a painting from the artist who made it, that money stays on the Island.
Every wall deserves an audience.
Mission and values
Connect people with the art and artists of Victoria
Local first
We feature artists who live and work in Greater Victoria and the Gulf Islands, and we send buyers straight to them.
Open to everyone
Most of our events are free. Prices are on every label, so nobody has to ask what something costs.
Artist-centred
Artists approve their own profiles and results. We never take a commission on studio sales.
Member galleries
Where to find us
A selection of our 24 members. Downtown, Old Town and Chinatown are all within a 15-minute walk of the Inner Harbour.
- Harbourlight GalleryInner Harbour
- Bastion Square ContemporaryOld Town
- Chinatown Loft GalleryChinatown
- Cook Street CollectiveCook Street Village
- Fernwood Clay & CanvasFernwood
- Oak Bay Print HouseOak Bay
- Dallas Road Fine ArtJames Bay
- Fan Tan StudioChinatown
Our team
Run by people who love this city's art
Jean-Luc Ferraro
Executive director
Former owner of a Chinatown gallery and co-founder of the First Friday walk.
Amara Singh
Programs and events
Plans the gallery walks, open studios and Collectors' Preview Night.
Kai Moreno
Artist development
Builds artist profiles and portfolio packs, and liaises with agents and competition juries.
Credentials
A trusted part of Victoria's cultural community
- 2019Founded as a registered non-profit society in British Columbia
- 24member galleries and artist-run studios
- 18,000visitors on First Friday walks in 2025
- 2025Cultural Tourism Partner of the Year, Greater Victoria tourism awards
Come see for yourself
Start with this month's openings, or tell us what you're looking for and we'll point you to the right gallery.