On December 1, 1975 the first proposal for an artists cooperative for Kingston was put forward to the Chair of the Visual and Creative Arts Department of St. Lawrence College.
During the summer of 1976 research into the feasibility of the project was carried out. Rental of a space was investigated, aims and objectives were formulated, and matters of incorporation were pursued. A comprehensive mailing list of local artists was developed, biographical information and slides were collected and the first memberships were taken out. .
An initial and interim Board of Directors were elected at a General Meeting of interested parties, in November of 1976. Those Board members were: JoAnne Abrams; Toby Anderson; R. E. Buff; Gaye Bullock; Jeffery Childs; Lorne Coutts; Alana Kapell; William Roff; Alan Wilkinson; and Lenni Workman.
Priority was given to the need for space for a gallery and studio spaces, and several potential facilities were investigated. However, while the cost of downtown Kingston space was found to be too high for the group, St. Lawrence College rented 325 King St. East to facilitate the development of the artist-run center, and the initial St. Lawrence Art Project (S.L.A.P.) was established there.
The first Gala Party and Membership Drive was held in June 1977 and resulted in 30 new members. The group gained its legal non-profit status in August 1977 and became known as the Kingston Artists Association Incorporated (K.A.A.I). In October 1977, the K.A.A.I was officially incorporated. Its main aims were to provide a focal organization and meeting place for artists and the public, to provide studio and workshop space and a gallery for exhibition purposes, and to collect and disseminate information about local artists.
Just one year later, the K.A.A.I amalgamated with Another Space Gallery originally owned by Lee Kozlik, and located at 191 Princess Street. Later that year, the Kingston Artists Association Inc./ Another Space Gallery moved to 21A Queen Street, and at that time re-named itself Kingston Artists Association Inc. & Gallery.
The new association provided art exhibitions, performance events, art festivals, newsletters, and an artists index. The first outside funding came from Ontario Educational Communications Authority in 1978.
By January 1979, the membership had grown to 57. The Association applied for operating and project grants with the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council. By 1980, funding was secured from both of these bodies. The more secure financial situation made it possible put into place a policy that ensured fees were paid to the artists for exhibiting at the Gallery.
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