More Canadian Art Coming to Ontario

 
 

May 3, 2011 4:00 PM

McGuinty Government Moves To Help McMichael Attract New Visitors

Ontario is proposing changes that would help the McMichael Canadian Art Collection continue to grow, attract a broader, more diverse audience, and enjoy greater success. Changes would also give Ontarians and visitors a better experience of Canadian art.

Amendments to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection Act would, if passed:

  • provide the gallery with the flexibility to develop more diverse and innovative exhibitions to attract and engage more visitors and enhance interest in its collection;
  • make it easier for the gallery to build its collection; and
  • ensure 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 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.
  • Tourism is an important part of Ontario's economy, supporting 300,000 jobs. In 2008, tourism spending in Ontario reached $22 billion.

CONTACTS

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



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


 

"We want to ensure our cultural agencies continue to thrive as world-class institutions and attract visitors as our economy turns the corner. These changes would help the McMichael revitalize its exhibitions to support jobs and provide Ontarians and visitors with a more enjoyable experience."

 – Michael Chan
Minister of Tourism and Culture

"We welcome these proposed changes as they help to build on the foundation created by Robert and Signe McMichaels' generous donations. The changes would enhance interest in our collection and improve our ability to attract broader audiences through acquisitions, innovative programming and exhibitions to ensure that the McMichael continues to be enjoyed by future generations of Canadians."

 – Upkar Arora
Chair, McMichael Canadian Art Collection

"The proposed legislation is a reasonable approach to moving forward and would provide a framework to support Robert and Signe McMichael's magnificent vision and their gift of works of art by members of the Group of Seven and other Canadian artists. We understand that, if passed, the updated legislation would also provide flexibility to enhance the long-term sustainability of this important and admired institution."

 – Penny and Jack Fenwick
members of the McMichael family

 
 
 
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