Installation view of the exhibition “Material World” at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia / photo Steve Farmer
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has confirmed its intention to create a new home for itself, a release from the gallery this week indicates.
The first strategic priority listed in the AGNS’s strategic plan for 2012 through 2017 is “Build a new home for the AGNS.” The plan states that “the ongoing deterioration of the current building’s systems, and its limitations as a venue to display art, present a major challenge to the AGNS for the future.” It says a process has begun “to undertake a feasibility study on building a new, 100,000 sq. ft. gallery that would create a 21st century art museum for Nova Scotia” in downtown Halifax.
According to the AGNS’s 2012–2013 Business Plan, planning for the next steps is a major priority for the AGNS in the 2012–2013 fiscal year.
Another strategic priority is to create a separate AGNS Foundation that will serve as a “major fund-raising body, consolidating our capital campaign, major gifts, endowment, sponsorships and fundraising events.”
The business plan also notes that for the prior two years, the AGNS has been authorized by the provincial government’s executive council to run a $450,000 deficit due to the gap between regular fixed operating expenses and the provincial funding allotment. The document states this is part of a long-term planning process with government to arrive at a sustainable funding arrangement in future.
