The Southern Alberta Art Gallery is gearing up to host exhibits and programming at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

SAAG adding art exhibits to Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre for 50th anniversary

Jan 14, 2026 | 8:42 AM

Lethbridge’s largest event centre will soon be home to an array of beautiful and thought-provoking art displays.

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) has announced, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration in 2026, that it is partnering with Excite Lethbridge to prominently feature local artists.

Beginning this spring, SAAG will curate a series of free, small-scale, contemporary art exhibits throughout the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre’s (LTCC) publicly-accessible spaces. It will also offer corresponding public programs throughout the year.

The initiative is supported by funding from the Rozsa Foundation.

Art pieces are being moved out of SAAG’s downtown space to accommodate renovations.

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Su Ying Strang, Executive Director of SAAG, says, “Our organizations came to the table knowing that we are truly better together, and we are thrilled to have an enthusiastic collaborator in Excite Lethbridge. We cannot wait to bring contemporary art to new audiences at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre this spring.”

By showcasing exhibits at the LTCC’s heavily-used public spaces, hundreds of thousands of guests will have year-round access to local art pieces and programming.

Sydney Koppe, Director of Community Engagement at Excite Lethbridge, says the unique partnership adds art, culture and value to the venue, while honouring Excite Lethbridge’s commitment to connecting people, ideas, and industries to enhance experiences and opportunities in the region.

“We are thankful to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery for its partnership in making this innovative collaboration come to life and we can’t wait for the public to see how it comes together,” says Koppe.

An opening reception at the LTCC on Mar. 28, 2026, with artist Hali Heavy Shield.

The SAAG will host its premiere fundraising gala, Art Auction 2026, at the venue on May 2.

READ MORE: SAAG celebrating 50th anniversary in 2026