About Us
It was wintertime in 2023; we began our journey with love, passion, and knowledge of art. From the very first day, we have grown alongside a highly knowledgeable and professional team, exceptional artists, prestigious art lovers, and distinguished collectors.
Although our story began with Middle Eastern art and artists, our growing connections and Canada’s multicultural identity have expanded our vision beyond regional boundaries.
Today, MECA embraces Art Without Borders, connecting artists, cultures, and collectors from East to West through a global cross-cultural art network.
At MECA Gallery Canada, we believe art and artists deserve to be seen, valued, and recognized beyond the boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, or personal beliefs.
Meet the Team
Elham Ghorbanpour
Founder and Director of MECA Gallery Canada
Dr. Lili Sohrabi
Director of Artist Relationship, Cultural Events and Institutional Developments
Dr. Manouchehr Foroutan
Director of Curatorial Affairs, Exhibition Development and Cultural Programming
Armita Foroutan
Office Administrator and Social Media Manager
Our Story:
The Birth of MECA Gallery
A Message from the Founder, Elham:
MECA Gallery began as something deeply personal. As a certified ISAM Fine Art Appraiser, a gallery owner in Ontario, and a graduate of the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, I’ve spent years immersed in the art world—meeting artists, collectors, and creatives from all walks of life.
But one thing continued to resonate with me. I kept meeting incredibly talented immigrant and refugee artists who were struggling to find their place in Canada’s art scene. They had the passion and skill, but lacked the platform, mentorship, and guidance needed to be seen. At the same time, I was working with collectors who were eager to discover fresh talent but didn’t know where to look.
That’s when the idea for MECA Gallery came to life. I envisioned a space where these two worlds could meet—a space that supports artists, especially newcomers, with tools, workshops, and exposure, while giving collectors access to meaningful, emerging work.
With the help of the incredible artists and collectors I’ve met along the way, MECA became more than just a gallery—it became a community.
Thanks to my roots and relationships across the Middle East—from Dubai and Egypt to Turkey and beyond—I also recognized the international appetite for cross-cultural art. That’s when I realized I could help bring Canadian voices to the global stage. I knew how to bridge that gap.
MECA Gallery is the result of that journey—born from experience, shaped by people, and built with heart.
— Elham
Our Dedications
At MECA Gallery, our work is driven by a deep passion for art, culture, and community. Our mission is anchored in three core pillars:
Supporting Diverse Artistic Voices
We are committed to showcasing and uplifting both local and immigrant Canadian artists, with a particular emphasis on those from Middle Eastern backgrounds. Through meaningful representation, mentorship, and strategic support, we help emerging and established artists navigate the Canadian art scene, connect with professional collectors, and gain a stronger understanding of the art market. Our goal is to empower artists to build their careers with confidence, purpose, and visibility.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
MECA Gallery is dedicated to protecting and preserving the works of old masters as essential parts of our shared cultural legacy. We uphold the integrity of these historical treasures through scientific research, USPAP-compliant appraisal practices, and expert authentication. In collaboration with collectors, preservationists, and cultural investors, we strive to ensure a respectful and enduring future for these masterpieces.
Building Bridges Through Art
We believe in the unifying power of art. Our vision of “artists without borders” reflects our commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. By celebrating diverse artistic expressions—regardless of nationality, religion, race, gender, or background—we aim to strengthen connections within Canadian communities and beyond. Art transcends boundaries, touching on universal themes of love, loss, joy, and resilience. At MECA, we are proud to be part of a global movement that uses art as a force for peace and inclusion.
Elham Ghorbanpour
Meet the Founder
Elham Ghorbanpour; art collector, advisor, founder & director of MECA Gallery Canada, is a Canadian Certified Gallery Owner, Art and Antique Appraiser and Advisor, Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers ( American and Canadian Chapters), curator, art market researcher and Trader.
Passionate about art and literature, her educational background includes a BA in English Literature, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice , Core course of Personal Property Appraisal Studies, Profssional Fine Art Appraisal with ISA and TAF (The Appraisal Foundation), Gallery Owner Professional education through IAP College North America, and Art & Auction Business studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Her hands-on experience at Christie’s New York, combined with ongoing professional development through the International Society of Appraisers, allows her to bring together art expertise, appraisal standards, market intelligence, and a trusted international network in global art world.
Through strong relationships with artists, collectors, specialists, and more than 20 renowned international auction houses, Elham connects people with exceptional art and unique acquisition opportunities. Her mission is simple: to empower artists, guide collectors, and make the art world more accessible through knowledge, transparency, integrity, and trust.