The Southern Alberta Art Gallery Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin is delighted to launch a vital new support initiative in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Lethbridge’s first purpose-built public library—our home, the Carnegie Building. The Centennial Club is a monthly giving program, created to celebrate 100 years of philanthropic spirit and a legacy of community-building through this central and significant gathering place in Lethbridge.

The first century of this building has benefited from the contributions of countless community members who have given their time, expertise, and resources to the important cultural institutions and activities that have taken place here. These generous contributors have supported and connected communities across the decades, and have had a vital role in shaping arts and culture in southern Alberta. Upon launching the Centennial Club, we invite you to also share your stories of these community members through a collaborative timeline that will be on display in the Gallery until the end of the year.

As we imagined this campaign, we considered three key descriptors: accessible, sustainable, and community-driven. This campaign seeks to inspire our communities to help strengthen our organization by donating a monthly gift, selecting an amount that is sustainable for them to contribute towards the future of the Gallery. This campaign also encourages our communities to help us spread the word about Centennial Club, both through their networks of family, friends, and colleagues, and online through CanadaHelps and their social media platforms.

The original gift of the Carnegie Building was an act of philanthropy which created a venue that continues to serve communities 100 years later. By becoming a monthly donor and joining the Centennial Club, you can contribute to this legacy and be a part of our future. We honour and are grateful for your integral support—every gift contributes to the vibrant future of our institution and the arts in southern Alberta.

Our first 100 monthly donors will play an important role in the Centennial Club, acting as the initial catalyst for this new initiative. To celebrate these champions of arts, culture, and community, we will install a new commemorative plaque in our building. This plaque, generously donated by Cam Slomp, will name these first 100 donors, and be displayed on the walls of our building in perpetuity. These first 100 donors will also receive a limited edition Centennial Club tote bag as a special gift to acknowledge their important contributions to the Gallery. 

Why Centennial Club?

-Celebrates giving at every amount

-Instant tax receipting and annual receipting options via CanadaHelps

-Reduces administrative burden to refocus staff time on programs and mission delivery

-Easy, automatic monthly transactions

-Supports the Gallery and donors in long-term planning, budgeting, and cash flow

-Access to special events

-Further diversifies the Gallery’s revenue streams and expands donor pool, strengthening sustainability

-Limited edition tote bag and inclusion of name on commemorative plaque for the first 100 donors