York University and the Art Gallery of York University are celebrating the official groundbreaking for the new Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery of York University (GGYU).

York University’s art collection serves as a rich pedagogical resource for students, faculty, art historians, and scholars with nearly 1,700 art works by leading local, national, and international artists spanning painting, sculpture, prints, photography, and new media.

Thanks to an original gift of $5M – and a new commitment of $1M – from Joan and Martin Goldfarb, the GGYU is poised to be an integral point of connection, where we celebrate local and international artists and audiences.

AGYU is thrilled to announce the official launch of York University’s Art Collection as a comprehensive online searchable database, providing students, scholars, and the public with digital access to York University’s valued art collection.

York University’s collection serves as a rich pedagogical resource for students, faculty, art historians, and scholars with nearly 1700 art works by leading local, national, and international artists spanning painting, sculpture, prints, photography, and new media.

With renowned curator Jenifer Papararo at the helm, the GGYU will invigorate the University’s collection, enhance support and mentorship to artists, and create opportunities for engagement and dialogue.

Gary Zhexi Zhang’s new film, The Tourist, 2023, tells the story of Zanzibar, China, and Ali Sultan Issa, a man at the centre of an uneasy marriage between Afrofuturism and Sinofuturism.

Gary Zhexi Zhang, The Tourist (2023), is commissioned by the Art Gallery of York University (AGYU), Toronto and curated by Clara Halpern, assistant curator, exhibitions, through their digital art stream.

Nov 29, 2022 · Joan Goldfarb talks to 105.9 The Region about how she hopes the new art gallery will bring together the York community, following the recent GGYU groundbreaking at Keele Campus.

Jan 23, 2025 · TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2022 – York University is celebrating the official groundbreaking for the new Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery of York University (GGYU). Thanks to an original gift of $5M – and a new commitment of $1M – from Joan and Martin Goldfarb, the GGYU is poised to be an integral point of connection, […]