Federal Government Announces Investment of More than $389,000 to Support Art Gallery of St. Albert

Government of Canada funding will support the Art Gallery of St. Albert's Barrier-Free renovation project, which will help increase accessibility and ensure that more Canadians can benefit from the Gallery's exhibitions.

ST. ALBERT, AB, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, was joined by Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, in St. Albert today to announce $389,201 in funding for the Art Gallery of St. Albert's accessibility renovation project. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

This investment will allow the Art Gallery of St. Albert to build a wheelchair ramp at the entrance, providing greater access to the new gallery. Additionally, the gallery will install an elevator to provide full access to all three levels of the building, along with a 980-square-foot addition to the second floor, creating more gallery space.

Funding for this project is provided through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Quotes

"Investments in our cultural institutions help build strong, vibrant communities. Our government is proud to support the Art Gallery of St. Albert in their barrier-free renovation project, which will allow even more Canadians to experience and benefit from their significant collections and exhibitions."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Investments in accessible arts and cultural infrastructure allow countless more Canadians to take part in building an inclusive and strong community. I am thrilled that the Art Gallery of St. Albert will be able to improve and expand its facility as a result of this funding."
—The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods)

"I believe that St. Albert's heritage and art, shaped by diversity, deserves to be shared with all Canadians. As stewards for the next generations of artists and creators, art galleries play a crucial role in showcasing the region's stories and art history. I commend the Art Gallery of St. Albert on its commitment to provide an inclusive space for all to appreciate and enjoy."
—Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)

"We are delighted that the Art Gallery of St. Albert is going to become barrier-free and accessible to everyone in the community. Funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will provide barrier-free access to all three floors of the building and allow the public art gallery to remain in the historic Banque d'Hochelaga building in St. Albert's downtown."
—Ann Ramsden, Executive Director, Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert

Quick Facts

The Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert promotes the visual arts, and the natural and human heritage of the community and surrounding district. The Foundation manages the Art Gallery of St. Albert, the Musée Héritage Museum, and the St. Albert Heritage Sites on behalf of the City of St. Albert through a long-term partnership agreement.

The Art Gallery of St. Albert is a contemporary public art gallery that has been operating out of the historic Banque d'Hochelaga building since 2000. The building is a 5,150-square-foot commercial structure situated in the heart of St. Albert's historic downtown. The building was built in the 1920s with additions in 1955 and 1966. The building received municipal historic resource designation in 2009.

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SOURCE Canadian Heritage