Canadian Government Invests in McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Prudence Heward (1896-1947)
The Blue Church, Prescott, 1933
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Gift of Dr. Naomi Jackson Groves

KLEINBURG, Ontario, October 5, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Investments in arts and heritage by the Government of Canada will increase tourism, create jobs and benefit residents and visitors. Support for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection was announced today by the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister for International Cooperation and Member of Parliament (Vaughan), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This investment will support the redesign and upgrade of the museum's three art collection storage vaults. New specialized compact storage units will be installed to improve the efficiency of the available space. The funding will also support the necessary move of the permanent collections to temporary storage during the renovation of the vault storage areas, protecting the valuable Canadian artwork.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects like the McMichael upgrade, which contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."

"The McMichael Canadian Art Collection offers our community and visitors a truly Canadian experience," said Minister Fantino. "With the funding provided by our Government, the art gallery will improve the presentation and preservation of its collection for all Canadians to enjoy."

"Our museum holds in trust for the people of Ontario and Canada a superb collection of the works of the Group of Seven and other Canadian and Aboriginal artists," said Victoria Dickenson, Director and CEO, McMichael Canadian Art Collection. "We are delighted that the federal government is helping us to preserve these works for the enjoyment and inspiration not only of today's visitors but for future generations."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $145,000 through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: $95,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and $50,000 through the Museum Assistance Program. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund 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. The Museums Assistance Program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.