The Canada Council Art Bank is acquiring 55 contemporary works by Canadian artists of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and mixed racial heritage.

Total value of the new works is more than than $230,000.

The art includes paintings, photographs, ceramics and embroidery. The pieces were selected from more than 530 submissions based on artistic excellence and suitability for rental.

The objective of the purchase was to increase the awarenss of culturally diverse artists about Canada Council programs and enhance the Art Bank's collection, Art Bank director Victoria Henry said in a press release Thursday.

The largest collection of contemporary Canadian art in the world, the Art Bank has more than 17,400 works by more than 2,500 Canadian artists. Currently, close to 7,000 works are being rented by more than 200 government and corporate clients.

The Art Bank charges a loan fee of $100 per work per venue, and a one-time administration fee of $60. Shipping costs are paid for by borrowing institutions.