Elbows Up!

Dates: May 15th - June 26th

Elbows Up! Visual Expressions of Canada’s Culture, Democracy, and Sovereignty

The Saint John Arts Centre welcomes “Elbows Up!,” a group exhibition developed by the Lunenburg School of the Arts that brings together contemporary visual artists in a collective reflection on Canada’s culture, diversity, resilience, and sovereignty. Previously exhibited at the Lunenburg School of the Arts, this timely exhibition considers what it means to stand together as an independent nation through the enduring lenses of visual art and the written word.

Throughout history, artists and writers have served as reliable recorders of social, political, and cultural events. In response to recent expressions of disregard by the administration of the United States toward Canada’s sovereignty and its democratically elected officials, the Lunenburg School of the Arts initiated this exhibition as a thoughtful and assertive cultural statement. The exhibition title “Elbows Up!” or en français “Les coudes élevés” invokes a familiar Canadian expression of resolve and collective strength. As former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, wrote on January 11, 2025, “Canadians will never give up the best country in the world.”

An open call was issued on April 11, 2025, inviting artists to submit one visual artwork responding to the exhibition theme, accompanied by an artist statement. Artists were encouraged to reflect on Canada’s sovereignty and democracy and to explore the country’s distinct cultural identity, diversity, and shared values. The resulting exhibition presents a wide range of artistic responses shaped by both historic and current events that continue to influence life in Canada.

“Elbows Up!” first opened on June 26 2025 and originally ran through August 10, intentionally overlapping with Canada Day. The opening event also featured theme-related remarks by acclaimed Canadian writer Michael Harris, underscoring the vital role of the written word alongside visual expression.