Artist-run centres emerged across Canada in the 1970s as spaces by artists and for artists, dedicated to the production and presentation of contemporary art. Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre was established in 1977 by local artists who felt that there was a need for an exhibition space for contemporary artists and artists who worked in emerging, experimental mediums such as performance, installation, conceptual art, and video.
In 1995, then-President Sandra Jass said, "If gas is the modern fuel of industry, then art is the modern fuel of the imagination." Modern Fuel quickly became a local staple with highly attended exhibitions. Through conversation and experimentation, learning about new mediums and techniques, as well as current issues in the art world occurred.
In 1995, then-President Sandra Jass said, "If gas is the modern fuel of industry, then art is the modern fuel of the imagination." Modern Fuel quickly became a local staple with highly attended exhibitions. Through conversation and experimentation, learning about new mediums and techniques, as well as current issues in the art world occurred.
Modern Fuel offers workshops, residencies, make fests, lecture series, roundtables, and other creative programming to engage the community with practical skills such as grant writing and on topics important to the arts community such as racism and climate change. Programming introduces members to new concepts, stimulates conversation, and encourages community engagement. Modern Fuel had to pivot programming during COVID-19; however, programming has continued since education is key to the organization’s mandate.