Art, Inclusion, and Philanthropy: A Necessary Convergence for a Shared Future

November 26, 2025

An article by Yvanca Lévy, Sandra Chabot, and Adam Hamidi

In a world where diversity is sometimes seen as a challenge, art offers a unique way to celebrate its richness. Through its many forms, art becomes a mirror of society—revealing not only its contradictions but also its capacity to evolve. Art creates a space where different realities meet and where genuine, creative, and inclusive dialogue can emerge. This is the vision that Christine Redfern, founder of ELLEPHANT gallery in Montréal, champions and brings to life every day.

ELLEPHANT is a place where contemporary art and technology intersect. More than a gallery, it’s a space that redefines how art fits into society. According to Christine Redfern, contemporary art is a powerful driver of reflection on diversity. As a “mirror of society,” it allows us to step back, understand realities that often go unseen, challenge stereotypes, and encourage a culture grounded in empathy and inclusion.

Art as a Space for Inclusion and a Driver of Social Change

Take, for example, the work of artist JJ Levine, whose Queer Portraits project has documented the queer community for nearly 20 years. Through deeply sensitive and compelling photographs, Levine reveals lives and experiences often pushed to the margins, highlighting the diverse journeys that make up the LGBTQ+ community—far from stereotypes. For Christine, contemporary art “invites audiences to consider realities outside their own,” actively fostering a society that is more open and more aware of its many diversities.

Another powerful example is the work of Skawennati, a central artist at the gallery. Using digital technologies, she breaks down temporal boundaries to imagine a future in which Indigenous peoples are not only present but thriving—fully engaged with contemporary issues and technological realities. Through her machinimas, machinimages, textiles and installations, she amplifies Indigenous voices and ensures they hold space within our collective imagination. Her commitment extends beyond her artistic practice: as co-founder of Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace (AbTeC) and the Initiative for Indigenous Futures, she actively works to build more authentic and respectful representation of Indigenous communities in digital environments.

Philanthropy: A Key Lever for Inclusion and Access to Art

Philanthropic engagement is essential for making projects like these possible. Philanthropy is not only about funding—it can also spark meaningful social transformation. Christine highlights the partnership between the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MACM) and a philanthropic partner as an example of participatory philanthropy. During their annual event, guests—many of whom are not regular visitors to contemporary art spaces—are invited to discover artworks and play an active role in acquiring pieces for the museum’s collection. Initiatives like this strengthen community connection and broaden access to art, particularly for those who may feel excluded from traditional cultural spaces.

Building a Long-Term Philanthropic Model

Christine also envisions a more sustainable philanthropic model—one that supports mid-career artists, who are often overlooked in funding structures. She speaks of a project where Montréal companies would be encouraged to grow their corporate collections by acquiring works by living Québec artists. She imagines a project in which more Montréal-based companies would benefit from the many financial and social advantages of building corporate art collections featuring works by living Québec artists. Such an initiative would provide vital support to artists while helping companies express a cultural identity rooted in diversity and inclusion. By supporting artists at every stage of their careers, philanthropy becomes not only a driver of creativity but also an engine of social progress.

Art as a Catalyst for Collective Transformation

Through the projects at ELLEPHANT and other artistic and philanthropic initiatives, art continues to demonstrate its ability to challenge assumptions, create spaces for meaningful encounters, and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Philanthropy, in turn, has a crucial role to play—not only by funding such initiatives but by engaging in a broader transformation of how we relate to culture, community, and inclusion.

Art, philanthropy, and inclusion are not separate forces—they are interconnected, working together to shape a more equitable and open future for all.

Yvanca Lévy
Advisor, Donor Relations
Fondation CHU Sainte-Justine