LOOK25 Gala: Noir Nouveau Raises Over $1.2 Million in Historic Support of Contemporary Calgary

LOOK25 Gala: Noir Nouveau Raises Over $1.2 Million in Historic Support of Contemporary Calgary

Calgary, Alta (June 6, 2025) — Contemporary Calgary is proud to share the success of the LOOK25 Gala: Noir Nouveau, presented by MAWER. Welcoming over one thousand guests, the evening raised more than $1.2 million to support the gallery’s ambitious exhibitions and public programs. Please see the images here. For interviews, please contact Nikita at nikita@parkerpr.ca or +1 778 751 4510.

Guests were welcomed with an intimate and elegant VIP Dinner, generously supported by returning sponsor Holt Renfrew. The dining experience was curated by Culinary Art Partner Concorde Entertainment Group, one of Calgary’s most esteemed hospitality leaders and the force behind many of the city’s favourite and award-winning restaurants. Emceed by Zoe Theodorou, the evening featured stirring live performances by Justine Tyrell and longtime collaborator Timothonius.

The LOOK25 Art Auction, generously sponsored by Heather Edwards, achieved a historic result—raising a record-breaking $633,300, the highest total in the event’s history. All 74 artworks—22 in the live auction and 52 in the silent—were sold, thanks to the incredible generosity of artists, gallerists, and collectors who donated works, and the passionate supporters who purchased them.

The live auction was our most energetic to date: nearly half of the works sold at or above fair market value, with one work by Maggie Hall reaching double its valuation. In total, the auction realized 95% of its combined fair market value—our strongest performance since LOOK began in 2014.

Among the highlights: a 1960 oil on canvas by Jean-Paul Riopelle, generously donated by board member Dr. John Lacey, sold for $170,000—marking the second major Riopelle work he has contributed to LOOK. Two additional historical works donated by Rogers Communications, by Christopher Pratt and William Perehudoff, sold for a combined $55,000, achieving 93% of their fair market value. We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to our outstanding auctioneer, Stephen Ranger, for leading this unforgettable white glove sale.

The festivities carried into the RYAN GREEN After Party, with entertainment sponsored by Cowboys Music Festival, including a showstopping performance by dancehall legend Sister Nancy. Her electrifying set, alongside performances by the Rondel Roberts Band and Jadé, filled the gallery with energy and celebration. The celebration culminated with unforgettable performances by Juno Award–winning DJ BAMBII and Calgary’s BUCCALTHEFT.

“We are so grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from the community at this year’s LOOK25 Gala. It’s about so much more than the dollars raised—it’s about what those dollars make possible. They bring exceptional local, national and international art exhibitions to life, enriching the experience of both citizens and visitors. We are especially proud to have hosted a historic art auction that set new records for Contemporary Calgary, a testament to the strength of our creative community and the generosity of our supporters. More than anything, Saturday night reaffirmed that our mission and vision are not only understood but deeply embraced. Make no mistake: the arts are a need to have, not a nice to have. This night made that abundantly clear,” says David Leinster, CEO of Contemporary Calgary

The atmosphere of the LOOK25 Gala was brought to life by local artist Simone Elizabeth Saunders, who returned to Contemporary Calgary as the inaugural LOOK Gala Curator. Saunders, whose solo exhibition u•n•i•t•y premiered at the gallery in 2021, infused the evening with her signature themes of joy, resilience, and empowerment. Her concept, Noir Nouveau, reimagined the elegance of Art Nouveau through a deeply personal lens, honouring her Jamaican Canadian heritage and artistic practice, which she describes as “Black Nouveau.” Every detail, from performances to palette, was curated to inspire reflection, connection, and celebration.

We are also grateful to our Honorary Chairs: June Clark, Dr. John Lacey CM, and D’Arcy Levesque, who lent their distinguished support. We extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors, artists, gallerists, donors and volunteers, whose vision and generosity made the event possible, and to the collectors who continue to shape the future of contemporary art in our city.

“As one of the founding co-chairs of Contemporary Calgary back in 2014, it’s remarkable to see just how far we’ve come, with the vision of our leadership and the unwavering dedication of our team. This year’s LOOK Gala was particularly special for me. Simone Elizabeth Saunders, who served as our Gala Curator, was President of the Students’ Association when I was Chair of Alberta University of the Arts. An evening that brought together two of my great loves, contemporary art and education, was truly meaningful. I’m so grateful for the incredible community support that made it all possible,” says Carol Ryder, Co-Chair of Contemporary Calgary.

Since its inception in 2014, when the gallery first hosted LOOK in the then vacant Centennial Planetarium, the gala has evolved into a defining moment in Calgary’s cultural calendar. Today, events like LOOK continue to sustain and energise Contemporary Calgary’s mission to create access to contemporary art and ideas.