Art City was founded by internationally renowned Winnipeg artist Wanda Koop in the summer of 1998. Koop, a resident of the West Broadway neighbourhood for over 30 years, has long been involved in community development. Recognizing a need for quality, engaging, and accessible art programming in the community, Koop took the initiative to start Art City in a storefront location at 616 Broadway. Koop remains actively involved with Art City, and in 2006 was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her prolific art practice and her commitment to community development through art.