The Exchange District is Winnipeg’s quintessential arts and culture hub, brimming with creativity and vibrant energy. It’s a neighbourhood fuelled by artistry and innovation that’s home to many unique galleries and creative spaces. From cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions to fine art shows to the latest in digital media, the galleries in the Exchange District each provide a unique offering to the diverse mosaic of art and culture in the Exchange. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, you’re sure to find art that sings to your soul.
Check out our roundup of galleries and plan your next art walk in the Exchange! You can also save this article for the next First Fridays so you know which galleries to add to your route.
Artbeat Studio
Artbeat Studio is a pioneering organization in Manitoba dedicated to supporting individuals with mental illness through artistic expression. Founded by Nigel Bart, who has utilized art as a therapeutic tool for schizophrenia, Artbeat Studio aims to extend the mental health benefits of creative pursuits to others. The studio offers various programs, including an Artist-in-Residence Core Program, Studio Central Urban Arts Centre for community engagement, and Upbeat Artworks Gallery Boutique as a social enterprise. Artbeat Studio is committed to reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and poverty through education, advocacy, and free services to participants as a not-for-profit registered charity.
62 Albert Street, 4th Floor
https://artbeatstudio.ca/
@artbeatstudio
Cre8ery Gallery & Studio
Cre8ery Gallery and Studio is an independently owned commercial gallery and artist community space. The brainchild of artist and mentor Jordan Miller, Cre8ery supports local artists through sales, mentorship, and educational opportunities. The exhibits offer a dynamic array of art styles, mediums, and genres, showcasing works from seasoned professionals to emerging talents. Exhibits in the main gallery change bi-weekly and every five weeks in the auxiliary gallery, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with every visit. Check them out on First Fridays to get an inside look at the artist studios!
125 Adelaide Street
https://www.cre8ery.com/
@cre8ery
Katie + Gunner Gallery
Katie + Gunner Gallery is a vibrant space that offers a unique blend of art, shopping, and events. The gallery showcases Inuit art, photography, folk art, and textile art from local and international artists. Inside the shop, you’ll find a rotating selection of limited edition designer vinyls from brands like KidRobot and Munky King and creations from talented designers and artisans. Always seeking to engage with the community, Katie + Gunner Gallery hosts workshops, artist talks, pop-ups, and various events throughout the year! Check them out online to see what’s coming up next.
141 Bannatyne Ave, Unit 102
https://katieandgunner.com/
@katieandgunner
Martha Street Studio
Martha Street Studio, aka the Manitoba Printmakers Association Inc., is the province’s sole printmaking artist-run centre, studio, and gallery. This innovative space supports local, national, and international print-based art, offering 4,000 square feet of production areas, galleries, and project spaces. Martha Street Studio provides courses, workshops, exhibitions, artist talks, and free educational programs for youth. Their goal is to enrich the lives of Manitobans through the production and dissemination of printmaking arts.
11 Martha Street
https://www.printmakers.mb.ca/
@marthastreetstudio
Mayberry Fine Art
Mayberry Fine Art is a gallery and national Canadian art dealer that has been operating in the art world for over 50 years. They offer expert advice and services, including professional consultations on building quality art collections, custom framing, restoration, shipping, storage, and specialty estate services. Founded by Bill Mayberry and now run by three generations of the Mayberry family, the gallery has expanded to include locations in Toronto and Winnipeg’s Tuxedo neighbourhood, showcasing a diverse range of Canadian art. Their commitment to community engagement and fine art services has made them a cornerstone in the Exchange District.
212 McDermot Ave
https://mayberryfineart.com/
@mayberryfineart
PLATFORM Centre
PLATFORM is an artist-run multidisciplinary centre exploring photography’s expanded role in contemporary art and digital arts. Dedicated to supporting local, national, and international artists and with a solid commitment to marginalized and BIPOC voices, PLATFORM fosters a critically engaged artistic community. The centre offers diverse programming, including exhibitions, lectures, workshops, production facilities, and publications. PLATFORM began in 1981 as the Winnipeg Photographer’s Group / Floating Gallery and has since evolved and relocated into an accessible gallery in the Artspace building.
100 Arthur St #121
https://www.platformcentre.org/
@platform_centre
Rubia Darya Gallery
Rubia Darya specializes in handwoven vintage and antique wool rugs and textiles. Each piece in the gallery carries a unique story from the women who crafted them and their nomadic families in central and west Asia. The rugs and textiles at Rubia Darya showcase the centuries-old practices of these tribal groups, like distinctive weaving techniques, colour palettes with natural dyes, and the wool of sheep and goats. Their gallery offers the chance to view or purchase traditional weavings and support a vanishing art form that’s eco-friendly and sustainable. Stay tuned for special events showcasing the rich history and traditions of tribal weaving on their Instagram.
132 James Ave #102
http://rubiadarya.ca/
@rubiadarya
Soul Gallery
Soul Gallery, owned and curated by Julie Walsh, was born out of her passion for beauty and original fine art. With over two decades of experience in art sales through her interior design company, Beautiful Spaces Design Mgt. Inc., she decided to open her own gallery in 2011. Soul Gallery helps its customers implement the natural synergy of Art and Design in their homes or offices through art consultation. It also makes art accessible through rent-to-own programs and commercial leasing options. Visit the gallery to learn more and discover the exceptional curation of contemporary fine art.
65 Albert Street
https://soulgallery.ca
@soul_gallery
Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art
Urban Shaman Gallery is an Aboriginal artist-run centre and nationally recognized leader in Indigenous Aboriginal arts programming. Committed to presenting contemporary Indigenous art with integrity, the gallery offers exhibitions, workshops, residencies, and curatorial initiatives that reflect diverse cultures. Urban Shaman Gallery supports artists across all disciplines and career stages and fosters artistic expression and cultural discourse on local, national, and international levels. Admission to the gallery is free, inviting the public to engage with and appreciate contemporary Indigenous art.
290 McDermot Ave
https://www.urbanshaman.org/
@urbanshamangallerywpg
Video Pool Media Arts Centre
Video Pool Media Arts Centre fosters curiosity and creative expression by empowering artists through technology. As Manitoba’s only artist-run centre dedicated to technology-based art, Video Pool supports experimental practices across all media art forms through presentation, production, distribution, and education. Housing the most extensive collection of prairie video art in Canada, the centre also features the Poolside Gallery for tech-art intersections and The Output venue for A/V performances and rehearsals. Video Pool was founded in 1983 and resides inside the Artspace building, where you can find them curating exhibits, events, and artist talks.
100 Arthur Street, Unit 221 + 300
https://videopool.org/
@videopool
Warehouse Artworks
Established in 1979 by Rod Sasaki, Warehouse Artworks is a destination for custom picture framing and original artwork. The gallery showcases a diverse selection of original works by talented Winnipeg and Manitoba artists working in oil, acrylic, dye on silk, encaustic, pastel, collage, porcelain, clay, wood, silkscreen print and photography. Warehouse Artworks specializes in custom picture framing of your fine art originals, prints, photographs, memorabilia and even your children’s art. Their goal is to make your artwork sing! A longstanding member of the Exchange District, Warehouse Artworks is a destination for art lovers everywhere.
222 McDermot Ave
https://www.warehouseartworks.net/
@warehouseartworks