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Art gallery “pleased and encouraged” about city decision to reserve two-thirds of block for new building

January 13th, 2011 · 12 Comments

The city’s report on the Vancouver Art Gallery and its request to build on the empty Georgia Street block next to the QE Theatre came out yesterday, with a recommendation that the gallery get two years to come up with a viable plan for the land.

It also said the gallery would only get access to two-thirds of the block, had to come up with a solid business plan, and should think in terms of a cultural precinct instead of just one building.

According to messages that went out to members just now, it’s all good news, as per the message below

Dear Members,

We are very excited and pleased with a new report that the City of Vancouver has issued with recommendations for cultural development in downtown Vancouver. The City staff report proposes setting aside two acres at Georgia and Cambie Streets (the former Greyhound Bus Depot site) for up to two years to explore cultural development on the City-owned site, including a new Vancouver Art Gallery.

As you know, we have determined after many years and multiple studies that this dynamic site is the best location for a new, purpose-built art museum. This report “opens the door” and is an important step in securing this site to realize a new building.

There is still much work to be done, but we are very encouraged that the City has recognized that the Gallery’s proposal is the most advanced and achievable cultural option for the site at Georgia and Cambie and has reserved two-thirds of the location for a new Vancouver Art Gallery. We are confident that an innovative, inspiring building can be designed for this site that not only meets our exhibition and education space needs, but one that will benefit British Columbians for generations to come. We are very confident that we can address and satisfy all the requests outlined in this report and continue our progress in realizing a vibrant new Vancouver Art Gallery. We appreciate our Members’ continued support as we work to move this important project forward.

With best regards,

 

Kathleen S. Bartels
Director, Vancouver Art Gallery

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