Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery: Catalyzing Calgary’s contemporary art scene

On the top floor of the Atlantic Avenue Art Block in Inglewood, the Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery is a unique presence in Calgary’s cultural landscape. To address the city’s lack of contemporary art spaces, the project pairs new office space with a free public gallery, creating a sustainable financial model to support artistic programming.

As a tenant of the building, Kasian approached the project with a deep understanding of the site. Working with a steering committee of artists, the team explored how architecture could quietly support the art experience by designing a space where art could take centre stage.

Inspired by Arctic eskers, which are long ridges formed by retreating glaciers, the design weaves glacial references into the gallery’s identity. A reception desk shaped like a block of ice, a cool stone-like feature wall, a fibreglass white portal, and softly tinted glazing create a crisp, elemental palette. Warm birch floors and soft, rounded forms balance the Arctic aesthetic.

Movable walls allow curators to reconfigure the space for diverse exhibitions, while an oversized service elevator accommodates large works of art. Offices situated along the exterior windows protect the gallery’s collection from UV exposure by acting as a filter while illuminating the spaces.

The boardroom, designed as a sculptural ‘nest’ and visible from the street, signals the gallery above and creates a memorable gathering space. A geometric portal forms a dramatic entrance, inviting visitors into the gallery.

Esker is one of the only galleries in the city built to museum-grade standards, achieving LEED Silver standard of sustainable design.

The gallery also remains one of the few public, free contemporary art spaces in Calgary. Its impact on the local art community has been monumental, offering a place for emerging and established artists to share their work and shaping the future of Calgary’s creative scene.

“Kasian’s hyper focus on our vision combined with their exceptional design expertise has helped us create a whimsical and unique gathering place to celebrate art. Art and design combined have left a lasting impression on artists and guests alike.” – Jim Hill, Founder