|
As the first artist-run center in Regina, Neutral Ground was founded in 1982 as an
alternative to institutional galleries in order to offer contemporary and non-traditional art
forms, such as performance art, video, and installations. The catalyst was the arrival of
artist Nida Home Doherty, who was familiar with the artist-run centres found in other
cities. Doherty contacted Roger Lee, a Professor of Art History at the University of
Regina. Their work led to the April 29th, 1982, incorporation of Neutral Ground - so
named as a mark of its neutrality in regards to factions within the arts community.
On September 26th, 1982, by launching a sod laden 8 ft. square raft and
anchoring it in the center for a week, the gallery was launched both figuratively and
literally on Wascana Lake. During this time local artists took turns placing and
performing works on the raft, such as Joan McNeil and Pam Bjornson who dressed in
black and white respectively, in order to play a game of chess. Artist Christa Donaldson
placed a giant frame on the raft, so that spectators could frame scenic views of the
lakeshore.
In 1983, Neutral Ground was accepted as a member of the Association of National Non-
profit Artists' Centres and received funding from the Canada Council a year later. Initially run out of Nida
Home Doherty's residence and various other temporary locations, the gallery now has a permanent
home at 203-1856 Scarth Street. Controlled by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are artists
themselves, the centre is run by an administrator and gallery assistant.
|