The Best New Art Galleries in Toronto, 2009

For Toronto art galleries it was something of a banner year. Despite a deeply felt global recession, a surprising number of art-spaces opened throughout the city. From the cutting edge to the (relatively) conservative, the wealth of new art spaces opened in 2009 reveals that the economic downturn failed to curb the enthusiasm of would-be gallery owners.

We're a lucky city for it.

Although recent upstarts like 52 McCaul and Circuit Gallery just missed the top twelve, there's no doubt that they've enriched the art scene in Toronto (and beyond). So, as we enter 2010, I look forward to another year of engaging exhibitions and hope that we see a further rise in gallery growth.

Here are the top 12 new art galleries that opened in Toronto in 2009.

Narwhal Art Projects

Opened by Magic Pony to host expanded exhibitions without retail crossover, Narwhal is just steps away from its sister-gallery/store. Featuring the work of young Canadian and international artists, the gallery strikes the perfect balance between providing a platform for those at the outset of their careers and showcasing established talent. More »

The Department

Home of one of CONTACT’s best shows in 2009 (Susan Dobson’s "Retail") and the innovative Thirty in Twenty exhibit, the Department is a great model for how business and art can effectively co-mingle. With the inclusion of on-site artist studios and a recording/rehearsal space for musicians, co-owners Zach Kellum and Johanna Reynolds have made good on their desire to create a cultural centre. More »

Georgia Sherman Projects

Technically not new – the gallery merely changed locations in 2009 – it’s still nice to be able to include Georgia Scherman Projects on this list. One of Toronto’s galleries that truly shows a wide range exhibitions, a visit to the space might delight with a show featuring the work of a heavyweight like Hank Willis Thomas or surprise by showing the work of MFA students at the University of Guelph. More »

Julie M. Gallery

Originally opened in Tel Aviv almost 35 years ago, 2009 saw a second location of the Julie M. Gallery open in Toronto. Featuring artists with ties to Israel working across a variety of media, the clean and modern space is yet another reason why the Distillery District has become one of Toronto’s premier art destinations. More »

107Shaw Gallery

Taking the concept of gallery living to the extreme, at 107Shaw the lines between apartment and art space blur. With the primary living quarters on the second floor, that leaves the first floor for exhibition space and a kitchen that subs as a bar during shows. Despite this limited space, Daniel Fazio and Lana Mauro managed to host an array of compelling events in 2009, including the successful “They Shoot Videos, Don’t They” series. More »