More Canadian Art Coming to Ontario

 
 

May 31, 2011 12:00 PM

McGuinty Government Helps McMichael Attract New Visitors

Ontario is making it easier for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection to attract a broader, more diverse audience, and provide Ontarians and visitors with a better experience of Canadian art.

Amendments to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection Act passed in the legislature today. These changes will help the McMichael continue to grow and better succeed by:

  • giving the gallery the flexibility to develop more diverse and innovative exhibitions;
  • making it easier for the gallery to build its collection; and
  • ensuring the collection continues to focus on the Group of Seven, their contemporaries and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada

Moving to preserve and modernize the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is part of the plan laid out in Ontario's 2011 Budget - Turning the Corner - to continue to work with the culture sector to strengthen economic growth and support jobs in Ontario.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Opened in 1966, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection was founded by a gift from Robert and Signe McMichael to the people of Ontario of almost 200 works of art, a log and fieldstone building, and 14 acres of land.
  • The gallery welcomed almost 90,000 visitors in 2010-11.
  • Cultural tourism is an important part of Ontario's economy. In 2009, spending by overnight cultural visitors generated over $3.8 billion for the provincial economy and supported over 64,000 jobs.

CONTACTS

  • Denelle Balfour
    Communications Branch
    416-212-3928
    denelle.balfour@nullontario.ca
  • Jasmine Gill
    Minister's Office
    416-325-1759
    jasmine.gill@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
ontario.ca/mtcs


 

"The McMichael is one of our greatest cultural treasures - it helps preserve, protect and promote our artistic heritage. As our economy continues to turn the corner, these changes will provide the McMichael with a brighter future where it can continue to grow, renew its exhibitions and attract new visitors while providing Ontarians and tourists with a more enjoyable experience of Canadian art."

 – Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism and Culture

"We're thrilled with the passage of Bill 188 thanks to the great support of the Ontario government. These changes give us an opportunity to build on the legacy of gallery founders, Robert and Signe McMichael, by engaging broader audiences in our fantastic collection and exhibitions."

 – Upkar Arora
Chair, McMichael Canadian Art Collection

 
 
 
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