The AGH annual arts festival returned, bigger and better than before

Previously focused only on films, the local gallery’s 10-day festival has expanded into a multi-arts festival with workshops, panels, film screenings and venue tours

From Oct. 12-21, the Art Gallery of Hamilton held its annual festival. 

The AGH Festival was a 10-day event that showcased various forms of art, such as visual arts and music, through workshops, panel discussions, film screenings and museum tours. Events were also held outside the AGH at venues throughout Hamilton, including the Westdale Theatre and the Music Hall. 

Megan Olynik, head of marketing at the AGH, explained that the festival started off with a focus on films only but in 2022, they transitioned into a multi-day arts festival.

The event is organized throughout the year, with the process beginning right after the previous festival ends. The AGH works with multiple organizations and artists across the city. Additionally, the museum employs many volunteers and staff from the community to help with the programming and running of the events. It is a large undertaking for the AGH and every team member is crucial to ensuring the festival runs smoothly. 

The festival stands out compared to other events in Hamilton because of its longer runtime, providing more opportunities for the gallery and the community to engage with each other. 

“Events spread out [over time] are very helpful for people coming to more things. They also help introduce audiences to the variety of programs that we have here at the gallery throughout the year [and] allow us to run programs that we wouldn't normally run,” said Olynik. 

Reception for the festival has been positive and the events offered often have quite a big turnout, according to Olynik. She hoped that the festival would also remind people of the galleries other offering throughout the year and encourage them to visit. 

The AGH has also taken steps to ensure the venue is accessible to everyone, such as making admission free on Thursdays. There are over 10 thousand pieces in the AGH’s collection that deserve recognition. 

“At the gallery, there's always something to do. We have programming throughout the year for youth . . . [The current exhibition Wonder is] a very immersive exhibition with rooms full of large sculptures and really neat artwork that we don't often get to put on display,” explained Olynik. 

While the festival for this year is over, it will return next year with many events for students to check out with their friends or family. It is sure to have something for everyone and is a great way to become more engaged with the community and artistic side of the city. In the meantime, the AGH is open from Thursday to Sunday each week and is filled with art for students to check out!