National Portrait Collection

The National Portrait Collection (NPC) is a central part of our archival holdings at the Canadian Lesbian + Gay Archives (The ArQuives). We commission portraits to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of diverse, out and proud lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities in Canada.

The collection was established in 1998 with 25 original portraits, and coincided with our 25th anniversary. Since then, the collection has grown to 70 portraits of various mediums that include photography, oil and watercolour. The collection is regularly exhibited in our home in Toronto as well as at other venues across Canada, in celebration of all LGBT communities. We are committed to continuous expansion of the collection, thereby actively engaging in the creation of our own historical record.