The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) Board Chair Christopher Jones was joined by BMO Financial Group’s (BMO) James Kitamura, Regional President, Personal Banking, BC & Yukon, BMO Bank of Montreal, on September 12 to announce that BMO has committed $500,000 to the AGGV’s The NEXT Gallery project.
In recognition of the gift, the first for the project by a national corporation, the Gallery’s collection of Canadian and British Columbian Art will be exhibited in the BMO Gallery for Canadian and British Columbian Art in the new Gallery. The gift will ensure that the collection, including works by Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, David Milne and others, will have a home where all Canadians as well as visitors to our country can see our national treasures displayed.
”Art enriches our lives, fostering inspiration, education and connection, and BMO has proudly supported Canada’s arts and culture community throughout our 200 year history,” said James Kitamura, BMO Financial Group’s Regional President, Personal Banking, BC & Yukon. “We are proud to support the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the BMO Gallery for Canadian and British Columbian Art, as the artistic legacy within these walls is a historic treasure for British Columbia, and indeed all of Canada.”
“We are incredibly grateful to BMO Financial Group for their remarkable contribution to The NEXT Gallery project” said AGGV Director Jon Tupper at the event. “This gift will provide an opportunity for us to showcase and tell the stories of our great BC and Canadian artists for years to come.”
About The NEXT Gallery:
The Gallery’s commitment to a well-planned renewal of its existing facility was announced in 2012. A request for proposals was issued at the time, seeking architects who could renovate and prepare a design that complements the building’s location in the heart of the Rockland neighborhood. In December of 2015, following extensive community consultation, the AGGV received approval for re-zoning from the City of Victoria and unveiled plans for The NEXT Gallery. The AGGV unveiled updated drawings of The Next Gallery project by HCMA Architecture and Design in April of 2019.
This news release was received on September 12, 2019.
