Funding from the Government of Canada supported a full suite of renovation activities at the Art Gallery of St. Albert, allowing the space to become fully accessible
ST. ALBERT, AB, Feb. 9, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods), attended the grand reopening of the Art Gallery of St. Albert. Minister Sohi toured the renovated space and delivered remarks on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
The Department of Canadian Heritage invested $389,201 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund in support of this project. The project was also supported through the Enabling Accessibility Fund of Employment and Social Development Canada with funding of $34,000.
The renovations have improved building functionality and accessibility, while preserving the historic look and feel of the building. Modifications include a wheelchair ramp and new entrance, an elevator to access all three floors and a barrier-free washroom. In addition to making the space fully accessible, the Gallery has expanded, now totalling over 6,000 square feet.
Accessible and barrier-free cultural spaces enrich our communities by creating secure, inclusive environments where all Canadians, regardless of background, can access, discover and enjoy cultural programs and activities.
Quotes
"Building and improving cultural spaces helps make communities more vibrant, and helps our incredible artists showcase their work. It is also more important than ever that these spaces be fully accessible to Canadians to visit and use. I congratulate the Art Gallery of St. Albert on the reopening of their newly improved facility. These enhancements and upgrades will enable the Gallery to continue presenting new exhibitions, programs and events for many years to come."
—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Since 2000, the Art Gallery of St. Albert has been providing exceptional visual arts experiences for people of all ages, offering innovative programming, and presenting local artists from Alberta and Canada and exhibitions year-round. I am delighted to celebrate the grand reopening of such an important community amenity, and I commend the Gallery on its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity."
—The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods)
"The barrier-free renovations to our building and the addition of a new exhibition gallery have transformed it into a fabulous contemporary art space that will serve the community for many years to come. Our thanks to the Government of Canada for its support of this important project."
—Ann Ramsden, Executive Director, Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert
Quick Facts
St. Albert is a community located northwest of Edmonton and is the second largest city in Alberta's Capital Region.
The Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert, established in 1998, promotes the visual arts and the natural and human heritage of the community and surrounding district. The Foundation delivers programs, exhibitions and research opportunities, and ensures the preservation of local historic buildings and artifacts.
The Foundation manages the Art Gallery of St. Albert, the Musée Héritage Museum and various heritage sites across the municipality. The Gallery provides enriching educational experiences that celebrate visual culture and artistic achievement through research, exhibition and interpretation.
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 was constructed in 1921, with additions in 1955 and 1966. The building received municipal historic resource designation in 2009.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund provides funding for eligible capital projects that increase accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces, creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or access employment opportunities. The Art Gallery of St. Albert received $34,000 through the Fund in support of its facility renovations.
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Federal Government Announces Investment of More than $389,000 to Support Art Gallery of St. Albert
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SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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