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History

The WECAN Society (Where Edmonton Community Artist Network) was incorporated in 1987 after forming the “Artists for Tornado Relief,” a successful art auction organized by Edmonton artists to help victims of the 1987 Edmonton Tornado. Following this event, the energized group of artists devoted their attention into creating a permanent arts centre. In September 1988, the WECAN Society acquired the Harcourt House buildings from the provincial government located at 112th St. and 102 Ave. in downtown Edmonton, where the facility is still located today.

The Centre includes two public gallery spaces. As well, being the single largest community of visual artists in Edmonton it offers 42 low-rent studios for local practicing artists and other non-profit arts related organizations. A unique area of programming to Harcourt House is the Art Enrichment program that serves over 25 local low income and special needs organizations with low/no cost art education classes.

The organization in 1990 received public gallery status and charitable status. Harcourt House has received its core funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council. Additional funding has been obtained from the Clifford E. Lee Foundation, Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development, the Government of Canada and both individual and corporate donations.

A special thank you to James Painter for the opening reception and auction photos, September 1988.