The CRAM Collective and Canada's Smallest Art Gallery were established in March, 2006.  The collective is comprised of working professional artists living in the Niagara Region or who have ties to St. Catharines.  Initiated and directed on a benevolent dictatorial management model, CRAM International artists become contributing and exhibiting members by invitation.  CRAM applies three models to operate and manoeuvre within Canadian and international cultural networks as:  1. an artist collective, 2. a small business, 3. a not-for-profit project platform.  CRAM International operates as both a business and a non-profit organization, and rejects the elements of corporate and public accountability (boards of directors) that inhibit the creation of new artwork.

An on-going relationship of cultural exchange began in 2008 between the artists of CRAM International and Taller Cultural "Luis Diaz Oduardo" in Santiago de Cuba.  CRAM Press, Niagara's professional fine art print studio, was initiated by Co-Directors Alan Flint and Tobey C. Anderson with José Medina in 2009. CRAM Press has a mandate to work with artists in the publication of original print editions and artist book-works. 

CRAM Aims to: 
• create a cool scene by presenting original art and projects by contemporary artists in the CRAM Gallery, CRAM Press print studio, and alternative spaces.
• expunge “art speak”, elitism, cliques, and other barriers to understanding and appreciating original contemporary art. 
• avoid, squelch, or oppose mainstream thinking, consumerism, bad fashion, derivative art, and mediocre practices.
• support and promote CRAM artists, the production of new art, and investments in original art.
• engage in shameless self-promotion. 
• stimulate creative dialogue and the exchange of ideas.  
• provide patrons and members with deals and discounts. 
• give free opinions about art, life, fashion, food, and politics.
• maintain a benevolent dictatorial approach by Management.
• adhere to critical, candid, and politically incorrect documentation.
• establish and enjoy national and international recognition points. 
• engage in discourse and dialogue with a sense of humour, if possible. 
• create a local crawl destination to contribute to the growth of art and culture. 
• network nationally and internationally to bring artists and projects to Niagara.
• develop new opportunities outside Niagara for the benefit of local artists.