Museum of Anthropology Receives Funding for Masterworks Gallery and New Public Education Centre Français
The Government of Canada is providing $3 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia
VANCOUVER, June 26, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $3 million in funding for the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia in support of the Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks and a new public education centre.
This investment allowed MOA to renovate existing space within the museum to create a gallery dedicated to Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast. The space houses 230 historic and contemporary masterworks and artifacts—a collection that represents the single largest repatriation of Northwest Coast art to British Columbia to date. MOA purchased and installed state-of-the-art exhibition equipment with this funding to showcase the artworks in the gallery, creating an immersive environment for visitors. The Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks officially opened last week.
In addition, funding will also support the construction of a new public education centre at MOA. The centre will include a 144-seat professional theatre, a green room, washrooms, and multipurpose space to be used for expanded programming including lectures, workshops and public performances.
Funding for these initiatives has been provided through the Government of Canada's cultural infrastructure program, the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.
Quotes
"We believe that our heritage and culture, shaped by our diversity, deserves to be celebrated and shared. As stewards of culture and history, museums play an essential role in promoting and showcasing our country's stories. I commend the Museum of Anthropology's commitment to the conservation of unique Indigenous artifacts, and to making these treasures accessible for all to appreciate and enjoy."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"We are truly grateful to Canadian Heritage for this funding, which will enable the Museum of Anthropology and the University to reach and serve new audiences, artists and the community at large. UBC has a long history of Indigenous engagement, and we look forward to furthering the public's awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories."
—Professor Santa J. Ono, President of the University of British Columbia
"The Museum of Anthropology has a long-standing commitment to collaborating with Indigenous artists and community members. MOA is grateful for this generous funding from Canadian Heritage, which supports the newly opened Northwest Coast Masterworks Gallery, as well as the expansion of a new theatre and green room that will allow us to offer a more extensive range of lectures, films and performances. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to amplify Indigenous voices through these new amenities."
—Anthony Shelton, Director of the Museum of Anthropology
Quick Facts
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is one of the North America's largest teaching museums and one of Vancouver's top tourist destinations.
The Museum houses one of the world's most significant collections of Northwest Coast First Peoples' art in an award-winning building designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson.
Western Economic Diversification Canada has also invested $500,000 in support of the Museum's expansion activities. Funding was provided through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.
Associated Links
| Canada Cultural Spaces Fund |
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| Museum of Anthropology |
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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