Partners in Art (PIA) to Support The Art Canada Institute

New initiative to digitize the nation's visual culture and build a resource of Canada art

TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Partners in Art (PIA) - the volunteer-based, not-for-profit group of Toronto contemporary art supporters - announced today it has become a founding partner patron to the newly created Art Canada Institute (ACI).

Under the direction of founding executive director Sara Angel, the ACI will redefine, compile, digitize, and distribute Canadian art and its history for free, in both English and French. Until now it has been challenging to find accessible and authoritative information on the lives and works of most Canadian artists.

"We're pleased to become one of ACI's founding partner patrons and to be a part of this important groundbreaking advance in Canadian art history," state PIA co-chairs Yvonne Fleck and Mimi Joh.

"PIA believes it is important to be an early patron and sponsor of this unique collaborative institute, which demonstrates both leadership and vision. Moreover, publishing a comprehensive study of Canadian art history that is accessible to all is a key goal that we share with ACI," conclude Fleck and Joh.

In 2014, PIA will also support the ACI's "Canadian Online Art Book Project," a series of 50 free online art books. Viewers will be able to enjoy a Canadian art book either to be read online at the ACI website or to be downloaded and read as an e-book.

About Partners in Art

Founded in 2002, Partners in Art (PIA) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit corporation of Toronto art supporters with an interest in promoting the visual arts in Canada in two ways: first, by partnering with established arts organizations on collaborative fund-raising projects; and secondly, by furthering members' own understanding and knowledge of the visual arts through an active education program.

The group cultivates alliances among artists, curators, educators, businesses, and the public to develop vital and exciting contemporary art projects that raise the awareness of Canadian art and artists nationally and internationally.  Since its inception PIA has raised more than $1 million in sponsorship dollars. The group solicits sponsors to fund its activities, organizes fundraising events, and accepts donations from the public.

For more information visit us at www.partnersinart.ca, follow us on Twitter @partnersinart1 or 'Like' us on Facebook.

SOURCE: Partners in Art

CONTACT:
Ethan Pigott, beSPEAK Communications, [phone], [email protected]