About Us
MECA Gallery (Modern East Contemporary Art Gallery) serves as a dynamic gateway to Canada’s vibrant and diverse art scene. Founded with a vision to unite artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts—particularly newcomers and refugees from diverse backgrounds—MECA has grown from a simple Instagram ad for "Art Market Solutions and Artists Gathering" into a thriving community-driven initiative. Today, the gallery offers regular classes, workshops, networking events, and group exhibitions. With a strong online presence through our website and digital platforms, MECA is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their journey and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through contemporary art.
Meet the Founder
Elham Ghorbanpour
As a Canadian Certified Gallery Owner and an independent, USPAP-compliant ISA Accredited Member Appraiser, Elham has a strong educational background in Auction House Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, along with the "Inside the Christie's New York Auction House "in-person course with Christie's Education. She also has extensive experience as a USPAP-compliant professional appraiser specializing in Eastern Fine Art. She is an expert art gallerist and a member of the IAPO ( International Association of Professional Organizations) and the Canadian Chapter, and of the International Society of Appraisers based in Illinois, US.
Elham’s expertise includes preparing unbiased, credible appraisal reports for artworks in full compliance with the Standards, Rules, and Ethics of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). She provides appraisal and evaluation services to museums, art galleries, collectors, insurance companies, and law firms. Her rigorous methodology and careful approach to analyzing each artifact have earned the trust of collectors and art enthusiasts, many of whom have become loyal clients of MECA Galleries.
She is the founder and director of MECA Gallery, a cozy art hub in Toronto that showcases modern and contemporary artwork. Through the gallery, she strives to connect creators and art lovers, transcending boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, race, and gender.
Elham’s equal support for local, Indigenous, and immigrant Canadian artists reflects her belief in the transformative power of art and the importance of cross-cultural communication. She envisions art as a tool to foster understanding and contribute to a more peaceful world for all.
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.
