Gallery Expands Into Southwest
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is expanding once again, this time into southwestern Nova Scotia.
The provincial gallery, based in Halifax, is setting up a branch in Yarmouth with the assistance of $800,000 in federal and provincial funding. It's the first satellite branch planned for the art gallery as part of a five-year strategic plan it adopted in 1994 to reach out to communities across the province.
The government funding, through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Development, will help to restore and expand the old Royal Bank building on Main Street in Yarmouth to house the new art gallery branch.
"This commitment, along with the generous support of the community, will allow this exciting project to begin and the raising of additional private sector funding to be completed," said Bernard Riordon, director of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
"The Western Branch of the AGNS will provide opportunities for artists, art education for students of all ages, and the development of cultural industries throughout southwestern Nova Scotia. This development comes after the completion of AGNS expansion in Halifax, which also provides more opportunities to bring art and people together."
When completed, the Yarmouth branch will house both temporary and permanent collections, interactive and educational facilities, and a gallery shop. The complex will also have offices and art preparation and storage space. The branch plans to feature travelling exhibits, showcase local artists and join with area schools to provide art education.
"This project is bringing a major component of our province's cultural fabric to western Nova Scotia," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia. "In addition to providing increased exposure to works by Nova Scotian and Canadian artists, and encouraging artistic pursuits, it's estimated the branch gallery will contribute approximately $1 million each year to the local economy."
"Nova Scotia's rich cultural heritage has found a new home today in this new branch of the art gallery," said Wayne Gaudet, Minister of Education and Culture, on behalf of Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "While it encourages Nova Scotians to experience art and learn about our history and culture, this facility will also attract visitors whose tourism dollars help support our vibrant cultural industries, as well as the tourism industry in southwestern Nova Scotia."
In addition to being restored, the old Royal Bank building will be enlarged with an annex to increase floor space to 900 square metres. Plans are to preserve the original classical-style bank building, built in 1913. Work is expected to begin in September and the gallery branch opening is planned for May 2000.
The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Development is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.
AU CHEF DES NOUVELLES: Ce communiqu‚ est ‚galement disponible en fran‡ais; appeler 902-424-4492 ou c. ‚lec. CNSrelease@gov.ns.ca .
arc May 28 1999 5:00 p.m.