Art

Group strikes deal for downtown Duncan property to build 'world-class' art centre – Saanich News – Saanich News

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

The empty lot at 135 Kenneth St. in Duncan is planned to be an integral part of the new world-class art gallery, studio and educational centre that the Cowichan Public Art Gallery Society is proposing.

At its meeting on Feb. 22, Duncan city council voted unanimously to negotiate a purchase option with the non-profit society for the future acquisition of the property, which the city paid $351,000 for in 2019, that would be used for a section of the new 30,000 sq. ft. gallery.

As part of the agreement, the society agreed to pay the appraised value of the property at the time the option is exercised, expected to be within three years.

The society’s concepts for the new Cowichan Public Art Gallery, which is planned to be the largest art gallery on Vancouver Island, are substantial and far reaching.

Society president Jock Hildebrand told council that the gallery is expected to become a major cultural institution on Vancouver Island due to its unique programming, custom-designed buildings, and its strategic placement in the Duncan downtown area.

He said that through a combination of earned revenue, grants, and donations, the society intends to raise the $35 million needed to acquire the land, design and construct the building, and open the gallery.

Hildebrand said that in addition, the society will launch a parallel campaign to build the gallery’s collections, fit-out the gallery and offices, and establish the gallery as a community asset and a major attraction for visitors to Vancouver Island.

He pointed out that for every dollar spent on cultural projects, the nationally accepted multiplier is $11 in spin-off spending.

“The society will tap into federal, provincial, municipal and private foundation grants, as well as private donations to fund the project,” Hildebrand said.

“The anticipated time frame to secure funding for this project is 36 months; likely by July 1, 2024. This project presents both long and short-term financial benefits to the area, not only by creating jobs in the Cowichan Valley related to design and construction of the facility, but also 13 full-time and 18 part-time positions, as well as the related indirect and induced jobs that surround and develop around a project like this.”

Hildebrand said there will be new business opportunities through rental and lease of specific gallery properties, including a food and beverage area, gift shop, an all-purpose room, existing commercial kitchen in The Green Door building next door, as well as outside space rentals for special occasions; a commodity lacking in the downtown Duncan area.

In addition, Hildebrand said public washroom facilities are planned for the project and will be an added amenity in the downtown core.

Coun. Tom Duncan asked what financial support the society is looking for from the city, noting that the municipality now has to take on policing costs for the first time after its population topped 5,000 people in the last Census.

Hildebrand responded that the society is not asking for funding from the city at this time.

He said the gallery is a Cowichan Valley-wide project that will serve the whole community, so the society will be looking to the Cowichan Valley Regional District for financial assistance.

David Coulson, a member of the society’s board, added that council’s decision to negotiate a purchase option for the Kenneth Street property that would be exercised when the society’s fundraising efforts are over is all the support that’s needed from the city right now.

He said that with the option to purchase the Kenneth Street property, it will be easier to attain funding at higher levels.

“As a charity, we can now go to the next funding level saying we have property and property available to us so we have a legitimate cause to fundraise for,” Coulson said.

“There are about 90,000 people in the Valley and the city just has 5,000 so we’re not expecting the city to make any large contributions,” he said.

robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Art

Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

Published

4 weeks ago

August 15, 2024

Harry Miller

Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.