National Gallery of Canada Receives $22.8M Art Donation from Bob Rennie Family

Vancouver-based philanthropist and art collector Bob Rennie and his family have donated 61 artworks valued at C$22.8 million ($16.7 million) to the National Gallery of Canada, bringing their total contributions to over C$35 million ($25.7 million) and more than 260 artworks since 2012. The donation includes significant works by artists such as Rodney Graham, Mona Hatoum, Ai Weiwei, British artist Yinka Shonibare, and American artist Dan Graham, reflecting themes of identity, social commentary, and injustice. Rennie emphasized the importance of custodianship and preservation, entrusting the National Gallery to care for the collection and promote its accessibility across Canada and internationally. The National Gallery praised the gift as transformational, noting ongoing discussions about additional donations and naming gallery spaces after the Rennie family. Rennie also highlighted the gallery's efforts to lend artworks widely, enhancing public access beyond major institutions. This philanthropic partnership underscores a shared commitment to preserving artists' legacies and fostering cultural dialogue through contemporary art.